Words / C1

s-uh-PEEN-uh/səˈpiːnə/

A subpoena (also a verb) is a legal order to appear in court or to produce documents: a subpoena is a file, serve a subpoena. Order (already in the dictionary) is everyday; foyer copy is not a court paper.

Meaning

A legal order to appear in court or to produce documents (also verb; from order, already in the dictionary).

Examples

• “A subpoena is a file, not foyer copy; keep the embargo.”
• “Order is already in this course. Summons is the close twin. Foyer copy is comms. An embargo line is a file. Keep the embargo; then keep the copy if the clause still sits on a fact.”

Good to know

A court order to attend or produce. Everyday: order (already in the dictionary). Foyer copy ≠ a court file.

Near in meaning

summons, writ, court order

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