01 n. The act of summoning; a call by authority, or by the command of a superior, to appear at a place named, or to attend to some duty.
pl.
Summonses ((#))
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1.
The act of summoning; a call by authority, or by the command of a superior, to appear at a place named, or to attend to some duty.“Special summonses by the king.” — Hallam.“This summons . . . unfit either to dispute or disobey.” — Bp. Fell.“He sent to summon the seditious, and to offer pardon; but neither summons nor pardon was regarded.” — Sir J. Hayward.
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2.
A warning or citation to appear in court; a written notification signed by the proper officer, to be served on a person, warning him to appear in court at a day specified, to answer to the plaintiff, testify as a witness, or the like.(Law)
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3.
A demand to surrender.(Mil.)