\Ar"son\ ([aum]r"s'n; 277), n. [OF. arson, arsun, fr. L.
ardere, arsum, to burn.] (Law)
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.