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Entry 2 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913

Subpoena

/səp-ēn'-ə/ · Sub·poe·na · IPA /səˈpi.nə/
01 n. 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 defend…
  1. 1.
    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.(Law)
Phrases & compounds
Subpoena ad testificandum — A writ used to procure the attendance of a witness for the purpose of testifying.
Subpoena duces tecum — A writ which requires a witness to attend and bring certain documents.
02 v. t. To serve with a writ of subpoena; to command attendance in court by a legal writ, under a penalty in case of disobedience.
imp. & p. p. Subpoenaed; p. pr. & vb. n. Subpoenaing
  1. 1.
    To serve with a writ of subpoena; to command attendance in court by a legal writ, under a penalty in case of disobedience.(Law)