FLY FOR IT

fly for it.Hist. To flee after allegedly committing a crime. • The ancient custom in criminal

trials was to ask the jury after its verdict — even a not-guilty verdict — “Did he fly for it?” The

purpose was to enable the jury to find whether the defendant had fled from justice. A defendant

who had fled would forfeit personal property, even if found not guilty on the underlying charge.[Blacks Law 8th]