First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1subpoena
noun sub·poe·na \sə-ˈpē-nə, ÷-nē\
law : a written order that commands someone to appear in court to give evidence
Full Definition of SUBPOENA
: a writ commanding a person designated in it to appear in court under a penalty for failure
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Origin of SUBPOENA
Middle English suppena, from Latin sub poena under penalty
Other Legal Terms
2subpoena
transitive verb
law : to order someone to appear in court to give evidence : to issue a subpoena to (someone) or for (something)
subpoenaedsubpoena·ing
Full Definition of SUBPOENA
: to serve or summon with a writ of subpoena
First Known Use of SUBPOENA
1640
Other Legal Terms
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