/sum"euhnz/ , n. , pl. summonses , v.
n.
1. an authoritative command, message, or signal by which one is summoned.
2. a request, demand, or call to do something: a summons to surrender.
3. Law.
a. a call or citation by authority to appear before a court or a judicial officer.
b. the writ by which the call is made.
4. an authoritative call or notice to appear at a specified place, as for a particular purpose or duty.
5. a call issued for the meeting of an assembly or parliament.
v.t.
6. to serve with a summons; summon.
[ 1250-1300; ME somons somonse summonsa, for L summonita, fem. ptp. of summonere; see SUMMON ]