ˈärs ə n, ˈȧs- noun
( -s )
Etymology: obsolete French, from Old French, from ars, past participle of ardre to burn, from Latin ardēre — more at ardor
: the willful and malicious burning of or attempt to burn any building, structure, or property of another (as a house, a church, or a boat) or of one's own usually with criminal or fraudulent intent