noun

summons

SUM-unz/ˈsʌmənz/

An official or direct call to appear, attend, or respond.

The witness receives a summons to appear in court next week.

Official courier hands a sealed blank court document to recipient beside courthouse columns, direct call to attend implied by official setting, no words.

Etymology

“Under” plus “advise” formed a Latin verb meaning to remind or advise privately. This developed into calling someone to appear, especially by authority—the central idea of a summons.

In context

Art Prof: Your Art School19:39

someone sues you you get a summons and a complaint and you'd have to go to court presumably hire an attorney

More examples

At the director's summons, the team gathers in her office.
You must respond to the summons by the stated deadline.
The clerk mails summonses to potential jurors.

Forms

summons · summonses

summon verb — To call someone to appear or respond.

Similar words

subpoena: Specifically requires testimony or evidence in a legal proceeding.
call: Can be informal and need not require an appearance.