'Subpoena' definitions:

Definition of 'subpoena'

From: WordNet
noun
A writ issued by court authority to compel the attendance of a witness at a judicial proceeding; disobedience may be punishable as a contempt of court [syn: subpoena, subpoena ad testificandum]
verb
Serve or summon with a subpoena; "The witness and her records were subpoenaed"

Definition of 'Subpoena'

From: GCIDE
  • Subpoena \Sub*poe"na\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Subpoenaed; p. pr. & vb. n. Subpoenaing.] (Law) To serve with a writ of subpoena; to command attendance in court by a legal writ, under a penalty in case of disobedience. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Subpoena'

From: GCIDE
  • Subpoena \Sub*poe"na\, n. [NL., fr. L. sub under + poena punishment. See Pain.] (Law) A writ commanding the attendance in court, as a witness, of the person on whom it is served, under a penalty; the process by which a defendant in equity is commanded to appear and answer the plaintiff's bill. [Written also subpena.] [1913 Webster]
  • Subpoena ad testificandum. [NL.] A writ used to procure the attendance of a witness for the purpose of testifying.
  • Subpoena duces tecum. [NL.] A writ which requires a witness to attend and bring certain documents. [1913 Webster]