Emily Dickinson Lexicon

AR'SON, n. [Norm. Fr. arsine, arseun; from L. ardeo, arsum, to burn.]

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.