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American Dictionary of the English Language

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Summons


SUM'MONS, noun. with a plural termination, but used in the singular number; as a summons is prepared. [Latin submoneas.]

1. A call by authority or the command of a superior to appear at a place named, or to attend to some public duty.

This summons he resolved not to disobey.

He sent to summon the seditious and to offer pardon; but neither summons nor pardon was regarded.

2. In law, a warning or citation to appear in court; or 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 demand of the plaintiff.