Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Veteran
Vet′er-an
(vĕt′ẽr-an)
, Adj.
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.The insinuating eloquence and delicate flattery of
veteran
diplomatists and courtiers. Macaulay.
Vet′er-an
(vĕt′ẽr-an)
, Noun.
[L.
veteranus
(sc. miles
): cf. F. vétéran
.] 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.
Ensigns that pierced the foe’s remotest lines,
The hardy
The hardy
veteran
with tears resigns. Addison.
☞ In the United States, during the civil war, soldiers who had served through one term of enlistment and had reenlisted were specifically designated veterans.
Webster 1828 Edition
Veteran
VET'ERAN
,Adj.
Having been long exercised in any thing; long practiced or experienced; as a veteran officer or soldier; veteran skill.
VET'ERAN
,Noun.
Ensigns that pierc'd the foe's remotest lines, the hardy veteran with tears resigns.