2 entries under this word

Subpoena

Sub-pœ'nā, n.

noun

n. [Lat. sub, under, and pœna, punishment.] (Law.) A writ commanding the attendance in court of the person on whom it is served, as a witness, &c., under a penalty; the process by which a defendant in equity is commanded to appear and answer the plaintiff’s bill. [Written also sub-pena.] Daniel.

Sub-pœ'na, v. t.

verbtransitive

[imp. & p. p. SUBPŒNÆD; p. pr. & vb. n. SUBPŒNÆING.] (Law.) To serve with a writ of subpœna; to command attendance in court by a legal writ, under a penalty in case of disobedience.