Refers to the act of inviting someone or the state of being invited. Often used in phrases like 招きを受ける (receive an invitation) or 招きに応じる (accept an invitation).
友人の結婚式の招きを受けた。
I received an invitation to my friend's wedding.
彼は社長の招きでパーティーに出席した。
He attended the party at the invitation of the company president.
I gave a lecture at the university's invitation.
He accepted the president's invitation and attended the party.
I visited Japan at the invitation of a friend.
fiddler crab
beckon; summon; gesture to come closer