veteran

Noun · Adjective
Synonyms: veteran soldiervetex-servicemanold-timeroldtimerold handwarhorseold stagerstagerseasonedveteran(a)

WordNet 3.0

Noun (3)

  1. a serviceman who has seen considerable active service“the veterans laughed at the new recruits”Synonyms: veteran soldier
  2. a person who has served in the armed forcesSynonyms: vetex-serviceman
  3. an experienced person who has been through many battles; someone who has given long serviceSynonyms: old-timeroldtimerold handwarhorseold stagerstager

Adjective (1)

  1. rendered competent through trial and experience“a seasoned traveler”“veteran steadiness”“a veteran officer”Synonyms: seasonedveteran(a)
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Veteran \Vet"er*an\ (v[e^]t"[~e]r*an), a. [L. veteranus, from vetus, veteris, old; akin to Gr. 'e`tos year, Skr. vatsara. See Wether.] Long exercised in anything, especially in military life and the duties of a soldier; long practiced or experienced; as, a veteran officer or soldier; veteran skill. [1913 Webster]

The insinuating eloquence and delicate flattery of veteran diplomatists and courtiers. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster] [1913 Webster]

Veteran \Vet"er*an\ (v[e^]t"[~e]r*an), n. [L. veteranus (sc. miles): cf. F. v['e]t['e]ran.] One who has been long exercised in any service or art, particularly in war; one who has had much experience, or has grown old or decrepit in service. [1913 Webster]

Ensigns that pierced the foe's remotest lines, The hardy veteran with tears resigns. --Addison. [1913 Webster]

Note: In the United States, during the civil war, soldiers who had served through one term of enlistment and had reenlisted were specifically designated veterans. [1913 Webster]

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