Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Arson
Ar′son
(är′s’n; 277)
, Noun.
[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.
☞ 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.
Webster 1828 Edition
Arson
'ARSON
,Noun.
In law, the malicious burning of a dwelling house or outhouse of another man, which by the common law is felony. The definition of this crime is varied by statutes in different countries and states. In Connecticut, the burning not only of a dwelling house or contiguous building, but of a ship or other vessel, is declared to be arson, if human life is thereby destroyed or put to hazard.