from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
ELOPEMENT. This term is used to denote the departure of a married woman from
her husband, and dwelling with an adulterer.
2. While the wife resides with her husband, and cohabits with him,
however exceptionable her conduct may be, yet he is bound to provide her
with necessaries, and to pay for them; but when she elopes, the husband is
no longer liable for her alimony, and is not bound to pay debts of her
contracting when the separation is notorious; and whoever gives her credit
under these circumstances, does so at his peril. Chit. Contr. 49; 4 Esp. R.
42; 3 Pick. R. 289; 1 Str. R. 647, 706; 6 T. R. 603; 11 John. R. 281; 12
John. R. 293; Bull. N. P. 135; Stark. Ev. part 4, p. 699.