In*vet"er*ate (?), a. [L. inveteratus, p. p. of inveterare to render old; pref. in- in + vetus, veteris, old. See Veteran.]
1.
Old; long-established.
[Obs.]
It is an inveterate and received opinion.
Bacon.
2.
Firmly established by long continuance; obstinate; deep-rooted; of long standing; as, an inveterate disease; an inveterate abuse.
Heal the inveterate canker of one wound.
Shak.
3.
Having habits fixed by long continuance; confirmed; habitual; as, an inveterate idler or smoker.
4.
Malignant; virulent; spiteful.
H. Brooke.
© Webster 1913.
In*vet"er*ate (?), v. t.
To fix and settle by long continuance.
[Obs.]
Bacon.
© Webster 1913.