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Webster 1913 Edition


Subpoena

Sub-poe′na

,
Noun.
[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
.]
‖
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.

Sub-poe′na

,
Verb.
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.