Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Subpoena \Sub*p[oe]"na\, n. [NL., fr. L. sub under + poena
   punishment. See {Pain}.] (Law)
   A writ commanding the attendance in court, as a witness, of
   the person on whom it is served, under a penalty; the process
   by which a defendant in equity is commanded to appear and
   answer the plaintiff's bill. [Written also {subpena}.]

   {Subp[oe]na ad testificandum}. [NL.] A writ used to procure
      the attendance of a witness for the purpose of testifying.
      

   {Subp[oe]na duces tecum}. [NL.] A writ which requires a
      witness to attend and bring certain documents.

Subpoena \Sub*p[oe]"na\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Subp[oe]naed}; p.
   pr. & vb. n. {Subp[oe]naing}.] (Law)
   To serve with a writ of subp[oe]na; to command attendance in
   court by a legal writ, under a penalty in case of
   disobedience.

Source : WordNet®

subpoena
     n : a writ issued by court authority to compel the attendance of
         a witness at a judicial proceeding; disobedience may be
         punishable as a contempt of court [syn: {subpoena ad
         testificandum}]
     v : serve or summon with a subpoena; "The witness and her
         records were subpoenaed"