(A) practice. The name of a writ commanding the sheriff, or other authorized officer, to notify a party to appear in court to answer a complaint made against him and in the said writ specified, on a day therein mentioned. (B) The official notice, prepared by a plaintiff and issued by a court, informing the defendant that he or she is being sued and is required to appear in court and answer.
Law Dictionary – Alternative Legal Definition
In practice. A writ directed to the sheriff or other proper oflfier, requiring him to notify the person named that an action has been commenced against him in the court whence the writ issues, and that he is required to appear, on a day named, and answer the complaint in such action. Whitney v. Blackburn, 17 Or. 564, 21 Pac. 874, 11 Am. St. Rep. 857; Horton v. Railway Co., 26 Mo. App. 358; Piano Mfg. Co. v. Kau fert 86 Minn. 13, 89 N. W. 1124. Civil actions in the courts of record of this state shall be commenced by the service of a summons. Code N. Y.