Foresummon

/fɔːrˈsʌmən/ verb

Definition

To summon or call upon in advance; to summon beforehand.

Etymology

From 'fore-' (before) and 'summon' (from Old French 'somondre,' to call upon). The prefix 'fore-' indicates prior or anticipatory action.

Kelly Says

Legal language preserves many 'fore-' verbs: you can be 'forewarned' or 'forestall' action, but 'foresummon' is delightfully archaic—medieval courts would 'foresummon' witnesses weeks ahead of trial, anticipating the need to gather them.

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