What does "summons" mean?

Summons: (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.

Additional senses

  1. 2.(Mil.) A demand to surrender.
  2. 3.To summon. [R. or Colloq.] Swift.

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