interpleader summons Procedure whereby a person who is sued, or expects to be sued, by rival claimants takes out a summons which is served on the claimants, calling on them to appear before a master so as to stake their claims. The court may then order that the issue between the claimants be tried and will direct who shall be the plaintiff and defendant. A stakeholders interpleader relates to, e.g., a bajmer holding cash and faced with opposing claims. A shiriff s interpleader relates to goods seized under writ of fi.fa. and a claim by a third person that they belong to him.