(a)      In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

      (b)      "Authorized officer" means any official of the State or any of its political subdivisions whose signature to a public security or instrument of payment is required or permitted.

      (c)      "Facsimile signature" means a reproduction by engraving, imprinting, stamping, or other means of the manual signature of any authorized officer.

      (d)      "Instrument of payment" means a check, draft, warrant, or order for the payment, delivery, or transfer of funds.

      (e)      "Public security" means a bond, note, certificate of indebtedness, or other obligation for the payment of money, issued by the State or by any of its political subdivisions.

      (f)      "State" means the State or any of its departments, agencies, public bodies, or other instrumentalities.