from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Elude \E*lude"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Eluded}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Eluding}.] [L. eludere, elusum; e + ludere to play: cf. F.
['e]luder. See {Ludicrous}.]
To avoid slyly, by artifice, stratagem, or dexterity; to
escape from in a covert manner; to mock by an unexpected
escape; to baffle; as, to elude an officer; to elude
detection, inquiry, search, comprehension; to elude the force
of an argument or a blow.
[1913 Webster]
Me gentle Delia beckons from the plain,
Then, hid in shades, eludes he eager swain. --Pope.
[1913 Webster]
The transition from fetichism to polytheism seems a
gradual process of which the stages elude close
definition. --Tylor.
Syn: To evade; avoid; escape; shun; eschew; flee; mock;
baffle; frustrate; foil.
[1913 Webster]