Sub‐pœ″na (?), n. [NL., fr. L. sub under + poena punishment. See Pain.] (Law) 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.]
‖Subpœna ad testificandum (�). A writ used to procure the attendance of a witness for the purpose of testifying. — ‖Subpœna duces tecum (�). A writ which requires a witness to attend and bring certain documents.