For the purposes of this subchapter— (1) The term “ insurance ” means National Service Life Insurance . (2) The terms “ widow ” or “ widower ” mean a person who was the lawful spouse of the insured at the maturity of the insurance . (3) The term “ child ” means a legitimate child , an adopted child , and, if designated as beneficiary by the insured, a stepchild or an illegitimate child . (4) The terms “ parent ”, “ father ”, and “ mother ” mean a father, mother , father through adoption, mother through adoption, persons who have stood in loco parentis to a member of the military or naval forces at any time before entry into active service for a period of not less than one year, and a step parent, if designated as beneficiary by the insured. ( Pub. L. 85–857 , Sept. 2, 1958 , 72 Stat. 1148 , § 701; renumbered § 1901, Pub. L. 102–83, § 5(a) , Aug. 6, 1991 , 105 Stat. 406 .) Editorial Notes Prior Provisions Prior section 1901 was renumbered section 3901 of this title . Another prior section 1901, Pub. L. 85–857 , Sept. 2, 1958 , 72 Stat. 1215 , as amended by Pub. L. 90–77, title II, § 204(a) , Aug. 31, 1967 , 81 Stat. 184 , related to veterans eligible for assistance, prior to the general revision of chapter 39 of this title by Pub. L. 91–666 . See sections 3901 and 3902 of this title. Amendments 1991— Pub. L. 102–83 renumbered section 701 of this title as this section. CFR Title Parts 38 3 , 8