* Noun: This is the most common usage. It refers to a written order to appear in court or a formal request to attend a meeting.
* Example: "The defendant received a summons to appear in court."
* Verb: This means to call or order someone to appear.
* Example: "The captain summoned his crew to the deck."
* Adjective: This is less common, but it can be used to describe something as being commanding or urgent.
* Example: "The summons in her eyes made him obey."
So, to know the specific part of speech, you need to consider the context in which "summons" is used.