Vet"er*an (?), a. [L. veteranus, from vetus, veteris, old; akin to Gr. 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.
The insinuating eloquence and delicate flattery of veteran diplomatists and courtiers.
Macaulay.
© Webster 1913.
Vet"er*an (?), n. [L. veteranus (sc. miles): cf. F. v'et'eran.]
One who has been long exercised in any service or art, particularly in war; one who has had.
Ensigns that pierced the foe's remotest lines,
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 1913.