summons

[ suhm-uhnz ]

noun

, plural sum·mons·es.

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.
   1. a call or citation by authority to appear before a court or a judicial officer.
   2. 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.

verb (used with object)

1. to serve with a summons; summon.

summons

/ ˈsʌmənz /

noun

1. a call, signal, or order to do something, esp to appear in person or attend at a specified place or time
2. 1. an official order requiring a person to attend court, either to answer a charge or to give evidence
   2. the writ making such an order Compare warrant
3. a call or command given to the members of an assembly to convene a meeting

verb

1. to take out a summons against (a person)

Other Words From

• non·summons noun
• re·summons noun plural resummonses

Word History and Origins

Origin of summons¹

1250–1300; Middle English somons < Anglo-French; Old French somonse < Vulgar Latin *summonsa, for Latin summonita, feminine past participle of summonēre; summon

Word History and Origins

Origin of summons¹

C13: from Old French somonse, from somondre to summon

Example Sentences

The 52-year-old disputes the county’s claim that she responded to the jury duty summons by saying she was not a citizen.

From Salon

On Monday, Judge Richard Foster ordered Paterson to attend, denying an application by his solicitors to revoke a witness summons.

From BBC

The letter Comer received indicated he’d said he wasn’t a citizen in a response to a jury summons.

From Salon

The summons would be on the pretext of taking Fayed’s briefcase down in the lift, the women say.

From BBC

A default judgment is generally a ruling found in favor of the plaintiff when the defendant fails to properly respond to a court summons or appear in court.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• indictment
• subpoena
• warrant
• writ