Subpoena

Quick meaning: Subpoena is a noun meaning (figurative) A motive or thing which can compel or demand something, or summon someone.

Meaning

(figurative) A motive or thing which can compel or demand something, or summon someone.

More Meanings

1. (law) To require (a document or other evidence) to be produced before a court, or at a deposition or some other legal proceeding.
2. (figurative) To compel or summon (someone or something); to demand.
3. (law) To summon (someone) with a subpoena (noun sense 1) to appear in court, or at a deposition or some other legal proceeding, as a witness to give testimony or to produce evidence; to serve a subpoena on (someone).
4. (law) A writ (“written order”) requiring someone to appear in court, or at a deposition or some other legal proceeding, as a witness to give testimony (a subpoena ad testificandum) or to produce evidence (subpoena duces tecum), in default of which the person may be punished.
5. (historical, law) A writ requiring a defendant to appear in court to answer a plaintiff's claim (a subpoena ad respondendum); in England and Wales, and Ireland, this writ was formerly issued by the Court of Chancery at the plaintiff's request to commence a suit, but the procedure was abolished in 1852.

Example Sentences

For to-day in this arena, / Summoned by a stern subpœna, / Edwin, sued by Angelina— / Shortly will appear.

"He won't be waging wars all the world – he'll be waging 'warsuits,'" Noah said. "Droning people with subpoenas all over the globe."

Nothing vnder a Sub-pœna can dravv him to London, and vvhen hee is there, hee ſtickes faſt vppon euery obiect, caſts his eyes avvay vpon gazing, and becomes the prey of euery cut-purſe.

I hereby request that the committee hold the subpoena in abeyance and delay any vote on whether to recommend a citation of contempt for noncompliance with the subpoena, pending the president's determination of this question.

Word Forms

• subpoenas
• subpoenae
• subpena
• subpoenaing
• subpoenaed

Synonyms for subpoena

Depending on context, synonyms include citation, invocation, summons.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include writ, citation, arraignment, injunction, warrant, mandate.

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