Effect of these rules

The provisions of these rules, so far as they are the same as those of existing rules, shall be construed as a continuation thereof, and not as new provisions. Unless a contrary intent appears, the word plaintiff shall include petitioner or libellant, and in criminal cases the Commonwealth, and the word defendant shall include respondent, libellee or co-respondent, and the word attorney or the word counsel shall include a party appearing or acting for himself.