subpoena

 
Pronunciation: /səˈpiːnə/
Law

noun

  • (in full subpoena ad testificandum) a writ ordering a person to attend a court: a subpoena may be issued to compel their attendance [mass noun]: they were all under subpoena to appear

verb (subpoenas, subpoenaing, subpoenaed or subpoena'd)

[with object]
  • summon (someone) with a subpoena: the Queen is above the law and cannot be subpoenaed
  • require (a document or other evidence) to be submitted to a court of law: the decision to subpoena government records

Origin:

late Middle English (as a noun): from Latin sub poena 'under penalty' (the first words of the writ). Use as a verb dates from the mid 17th century