Sum″mons (?), n.; pl.Summonses (#). [OE. somouns, OF. sumunse, semonse, semonce, F. semonce, semondre to summon, OF. p. p. semons. See Summon, v.] 1. The act of summoning; a call by authority, or by the command of a superior, to appear at a place named, or to attend to some duty.
Special summonses by the king. Hallam.
This summons... unfit either to dispute or disobey. Bp. Fell.
He sent to summon the seditious, and to offer pardon; but neither summons nor pardon was regarded. Sir J. Hayward.
2. (Law) A warning or citation to appear in court; 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, testify as a witness, or the like.
3. (Mil.) A demand to surrender.