Summons

n.; pl. SŬM'MONS-ES. [With a plural termination, but used in the singular number.] [O. Fr. semonse, semonce, Pr. somonsa, from semons, p. pr. of semondre. See SUMMON, v.] 1. A call by authority, or the command of a superior, to appear at a place named, or to attend to some public duty. This summons he resolved not to disobey. Fell. He sent to summon the seditious, and to offer pardon; but neither summons nor pardon was regarded. Hayward.

2. (Law.) A warning or citation to appear in court; or 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, or to testify as a witness, &c.
3. (Mil.) A call or invitation to surrender.