Definition of "runagate" in English

noun

1. A deserter, renegade or apostate.

   • 1850, John Johnson (translator), A Collection of the Laws and Canons of the Church of England, Volume 1, New Edition, page 165, Whatever brother, contrary to the prohibition of the venerable canons, receives a runagate clerk or monk, without pacific letters, and when convened obstinately persists in it, let him pay what is appointed, viz., thirty sicles; fifteen to the bishop, fifteen to the abbot whose monk he received without consent of his own prior. Let him dismiss the runagate, or be excommunicate, and run the risk of paying more.

2. A fugitive; a runaway.