Sum"mons (?), 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.
Special summonses by the king.
Hallam.
This summons . . . unfit either to dispute or disobey.
Bp. Fell.
He sent to summon the seditious, and to offer pardon; but neither summons nor pardon was regarded.
Sir J. Hayward.
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.
3. Mil.
A demand to surrender.
© Webster 1913.
Sum"mons, v. t.
To summon.
[R. or Colloq.]
Swift.
© Webster 1913.