summonsn.[OE. somouns, OF. sumunse, semonse, semonce, F. semonce, semondre to summon, OF. p. p. semons. See Summon, v.]1. The act of summoning; a call by authority, or by the command of a superior, to appear at a place named, or to attend to some duty.()Special summonses by the king. (Hallam.)This summons . . . unfit either to dispute or disobey. (Bp. Fell.)He sent to summon the seditious, and to offer pardon; but neither summons nor pardon was regarded. (Sir J. Hayward.)2. (Law) A warning or citation to appear in court; a written notification signed by the proper officer, to be served on a person, warning him to appear in court at a day specified, to answer to the plaintiff, testify as a witness, or the like.()3. (Mil.) A demand to surrender.()v. t. To summon.(Swift.)