As used in this act, unless the context otherwise indicates--

“Commissioners” means the county commissioners of the county.

“County” means every county of this Commonwealth, except a county of the first class. The word county shall include territory within any city of the second class.

“Institution District” means a county or city institution district managed by the commissioners of the county or the department of public welfare of any city of the first class, as the case may be.

“Dependent” means an indigent person requiring public care, including maintenance, medical care, clothing and incidentals because of physical or mental infirmity.

“Independent Poor District” means a poor district which is not coterminous with a county, but shall not be construed to apply to a poor district of a county of the second class or a city of the second class.

“Institution” means an infirmary, poorhouse, almshouse, hospital or sanitarium managed by the commissioners of the county or the department of public welfare of a city of the first class.

“Poor Auditor” means an elected or specially appointed auditor of independent poor districts.

“Municipality” means any city (except a city of the first class), borough, incorporated town or township.

“Local Authorities” means the county commissioners acting as officers of an institution district, or the department of public welfare of any city of the first class.

“Poor Director” means a director, overseer, guardian or manager of any poor district or home for the destitute as now constituted.

“Public Charge” shall mean a person who is unable to maintain himself and who requires and receives aid from the Commonwealth or from any political subdivision thereof.

The masculine pronoun shall include the feminine.