subpoena

or sub·pe·na

[ suh-pee-nuh, suh b- ]
/ səˈpi nə, səb- /
Law.

noun

the usual writ for the summoning of witnesses or the submission of evidence, as records or documents, before a court or other deliberative body.

verb (used with object), sub·poe·naed, sub·poe·na·ing.

to serve with a subpoena.

Origin of subpoena

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin sub poenā under penalty (the first words of the writ)

OTHER WORDS FROM subpoena

un·sub·poe·naed, adjective

Words nearby subpoena

subperitoneal fascia, subphylum, subpixel, subpleural, subplot, subpoena, subpoena duces tecum, subpolar, subpopulation, subpotency, subprimal

Words related to subpoenaed

decree, mandate, warrant, summons, cite, summon, command

Example sentences from the Web for subpoenaed

British Dictionary definitions for subpoenaed

subpoena
/ (səbˈpiːnə, səˈpiːnə) /

noun

a writ issued by a court of justice requiring a person to appear before the court at a specified time

verb -nas, -naing or -naed

(tr) to serve with a subpoena

Word Origin for subpoena

C15: from Latin: under penalty

Cultural definitions for subpoenaed

subpoena
[ (suh-pee-nuh) ]

An order of a court, a legislature, or a grand jury compelling a witness to be present at a trial or hearing, under penalty of fine or imprisonment. Subpoena is Latin for “under penalty.”