(a) General Rule. All words and phrases shall be construed and understood according to the common and approved usage of the language, but technical words and phrases and such other as may have acquired a peculiar and appropriate meaning in the law shall be construed and understood according to such peculiar and appropriate meaning.
(b) Gender and Plural. A word importing the singular number only may be applied to several persons or things, as well as to one person or thing; a word importing the plural number only may be applied to one person or thing as well as to several; and a word importing the masculine gender only may be applied to females as well as males.
(WVaC 2-2-10)
(WVaC 2-2-10)
(c) Computation of Time. The time within which an act is to be done shall be computed by excluding the first day and including the last, or if the last be a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, it shall also be excluded.
(WVaC 2-2-3)
(d) Joint Authority. Words purporting to give a joint authority to three or more persons confer such authority upon a majority of them, and not upon any less number.
(WVaC 2-2-10)
(WVaC 2-2-10)
(e) Exceptions. The rules of construction shall not apply to any law which contains any express provision excluding such construction, or when the subject matter or context of such law may be repugnant thereto.