Subpoena

Webster's Dictionary of the English Language

·vt To serve with a writ of subpoena; to command attendance in court by a legal writ, under a penalty in case of disobedience.

II. Subpoena ·noun 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.