In the construction of this chapter except when such meaning would be repugnant to the context or contrary to the manifest intention of the General Assembly:

(1) The phrase "railroads and railways" shall be construed to include all railroads and railways, by whatever motive power they may be operated, except marine railways doing business as common carriers in this State and except street or interurban railroads or railways, whether operated by the corporations owning them or by other corporations or otherwise;

(2) "Railroad" shall be construed to mean a railroad or railway by whatever motive power operated except such railroads and railways as are excepted under item (1) of this section;

(3) "The General Railroad Law" shall mean this chapter; and

(4) The word "person" shall be construed and held to mean an officer, corporation, company, receiver, trustee, lessee, agent or other person acting or engaged in any of the matters and things mentioned in the General Railroad Law.