1 A writ issued by a court ordering a person to appear at a specific time and place and, at that time and place, do a specific act or to show the court sufficient cause why he or she cannot do so or should not be required to do so. See show cause order. 2 An order issued by a law enforcement officer to appear in court at a specific time to defend oneself against the criminal allegations contained in the order. See also summons. 3 A reference to a legal authority, such as a statute, court deci...