Category:Arson

Ar"son, n. Etym: [OF. arson, arsun, fr. L. ardere, arsum, to burn.] (Law)

Defn: The malicious burning of a dwelling house or outhouse of another man, which by the common law is felony; the malicious and voluntary firing of a building or ship. Wharton.

Note: The definition of this crime is varied by statues in different countries and states. The English law of arson has been considerably modified in the United States; in some of the States it has been materially enlarged, while in others, various degrees of arson have been established, with corresponding punishment. Burrill.