Subpoena

A writ commanding the attendance in court, as a witness, of the person on whom it is served, under a penalty; the process by which a defendant in equity is commanded to appear and answer the plaintiff's bill.

To serve with a writ of subpoena; to command attendance in court by a legal writ, under a penalty in case of disobedience.

A legal document ordering someone to attend court.

a writ issued by court authority to compel the attendance of a witness at a judicial proceeding; disobedience may be punishable as a contempt of court