SUM'MONS, noun with a plural termination, but used in the singular number; as a summons is prepared. [Latin submoneas.] A call by authority or the command of a superior to appear at a place named, or to attend to some public duty. This summons he resolved not to disobey. He sent to summon the seditious and to offer pardon; but neither summons nor pardon was regarded. 1. In law, a warning or citation to appear in court; or 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 demand of the plaintiff.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI