As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:(1) 'Indigent person' means any person who does not possess sufficient means to pay reasonable compensation for the services of a competent attorney; and(2) 'Public defender' means any attorney appointed or elected under any act of the general assembly or any provision of a metropolitan charter to represent indigent persons accused of crime.Acts 1965, ch. 217, § 1; T.C.A., § 40-2014.
Tennessee Legal Code