Ār'son, n.

(Synop., § 130), n. [O. Fr. arson, arsion, arsun, Pr. arsum, arcio, from Lat. ardere, arsum, to burn, O. Fr. ardoir, ardeir, arder, ardre.] (Law.) The malicious burning of a dwelling-house or out-house of another man, which by the common law is felony; the malicious and voluntary firing of buildings and ships. Wharton.

☞ The definition of this crime is somewhat varied by statutes in different countries and states.