subpoena
/səˈpinə/
A legal document ordering someone to attend court
subpoena in a sentence
“He received a subpoena to testify before the grand jury.”
Origin of subpoena
From Latin sub poena (under penalty), from sub (under) + poena (penalty)
Related Words
habeas corpus
A court order requiring a person to be brought before a judge
pro bono
Legal work done without charge for public good
tort
A civil wrong that causes harm or loss
plaintiff
The party who initiates a lawsuit
defendant
The party against whom a lawsuit is brought
injunction
A court order requiring a party to do or refrain from doing something