subpœna

CIDE DICTIONARY

subpœna, n. [NL., fr. L. sub under + poena punishment. See Pain.].

 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.  [1913 Webster]

∥Subpœna ad testificandum (. [NL.] A writ used to procure the attendance of a witness for the purpose of testifying. -- ∥Subpœna duces tecum (. [NL.] A writ which requires a witness to attend and bring certain documents.

subpœna, v. t. 

 To serve with a writ of subpœna; to command attendance in court by a legal writ, under a penalty in case of disobedience.  [1913 Webster]