n. [ NL., fr. L. sub under + poena punishment. See Pain. ] (Law) A writ commanding the attendance in court, as a witness, of the person on whom it is served, under a penalty; the process by which a defendant in equity is commanded to appear and answer the plaintiff's bill.
Subpoena ad testificandum [ NL. ]
Subpoena duces tecum [ NL. ]
v. t.
a. Required or done under penalty. Gauden. [ 1913 Webster ]