Cite (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Cited; p. pr. & vb. n. Citing] [F. citer, fr. L. citare, intens. of cire, ci�xc7;re, to put in motion, to excite; akin to Gr. to go, Skr. to sharpen.]
1.
To call upon officially or authoritatively to appear, as before a court; to summon.
The cited dead,
Of all past ages, to the general doom
Shall hasten.
Milton.
Cited by finger of God.
De Quincey.
2.
To urge; to enjoin.
[R.]
Shak.
3.
To quote; to repeat, as a passage from a book, or the words of another.
The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose.
Shak.
4.
To refer to or specify, as for support, proof, illustration, or confirmation.
The imperfections which you have cited.
Shak.
5.
To bespeak; to indicate.
[Obs.]
Aged honor cites a virtuous youth.
Shak.
6. Law
To notify of a proceeding in court.
Abbot
Syn. -- To quote; mention, name; refer to; adduce; select; call; summon. See Quote.
© Webster 1913.