Where does “subpoena” come from?

subpoena (French) comes from English subpoena, from Middle English sub pena, from Medieval Latin poena.

subpoena (French): subpoena

Definitions

  1. subpoena

Ancestry of “subpoena”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishsubpoenaA writ requiring a defendant to appear in court...
2Middle Englishsub penaA subpoena or summons, especially for the Court...
3Medieval Latinpoena—
Every word from Medieval Latin poena →Every word from Middle English sub pena →Every word from English subpoena →
subpoena — Etymology, Origin & Word History | Etymology Explorer