Subpoena

Part of speech: noun (n.)

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. [Written also subpena.] Subpoena ad testificandum (. Etym: [NL.] A writ used to procure the attendance of a witness for the purpose of testifying. -- Subpoena duces tecum (. Etym: [NL.] A writ which requires a witness to attend and bring certain documents.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

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