Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SUM'MONS, n. [with a plural termination, but used in the singular number; as, a summons is prepared. L. submoneas.]

1. A call by authority or the command of a superior to appeal at a place named, or to attend to some public duty. This summons be resolved not to disobey. – Fell. He sent to summon the seditious and to offer pardon; but neither summons nor pardon was regarded. – Hayward.
2. In law, a warning or citation to appear in court; or 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 demand of the plaintif.