Dictionary.net

call in an official matter, such as to attend court

a writ issued by authority of law; usually compels the defendant's attendance in a civil suit; failure to appear results in a default judgment against the defendant

an order to appear in person at a given place and time

call in an official matter, such as to attend court

a writ issued by authority of law; usually compels the defendant's attendance in a civil suit; failure to appear results in a default judgment against the defendant

an order to appear in person at a given place and time

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.

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.

A demand to surrender.

A paper prepared by the plaintiff and issued by a court that informs the defendant that she has been sued. The summons requires that the defendant file a response with the court -- or in many small claims courts, simply appear in person on an appointed day -- within a given time period or risk losing the case under the terms of a default judgment.

A summoning or an authoritative call: a call to appear, esp. in court.

A call by authority or the command of a superior; a citation to appear in court; a writ to notify to a party to appear in court on a day mentioned therein.

A call by authority to appear at some particular place, or in a court; the written or printed document by which such call is given; a call or invitation to surrender.

n. The command of a superior to appear at a place named, or to attend to some public duty ;-a warning or citation to appear in court on a day specified;-a call or invitation to surrender.