definition of
[summons]

[1] #1 summons n. [bidding] a request to be present; "they came at his bidding". wn

[2] #2 summons v. [summon, cite] call in an official matter, such as to attend court. wn

[3] #3 summons n. an order to appear in person at a given place and time. wn

[4] #4 summons n. [process] a writ issued by authority of law; usually compels the defendant's attendance in a civil suit; failure to appear results in a default judgment against the defendant. wn