n.; pl. Summonses [ OE. somouns, OF. sumunse, semonse, semonce, F. semonce, semondre to summon, OF. p. p. semons. See Summon, v. ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ]
Special summonses by the king. Hallam. [ 1913 Webster ]
This summons . . . unfit either to dispute or disobey. Bp. Fell. [ 1913 Webster ]
He sent to summon the seditious, and to offer pardon; but neither summons nor pardon was regarded. Sir J. Hayward. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. (Law) 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. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. (Mil.) A demand to surrender. [ 1913 Webster ]