I. ˈved.ərən, ˈve.trən, ˈved.ərn, ˈvetərən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin veteranus, from veteranus, adjective
1.
a.
(1) : a person with long experience in military service : an old soldier
(2) : a former member of armed forces who by length and type of service, honorable discharge or release, or degree of disablement qualifies under a statute (as of the United States or one of its states) for benefits or privileges provided by law for ex-servicemen
b. : one grown old in service (as in politics, a profession, or an industry or art) or experienced through length of service
depended on the veterans to help the novices on the assembly line
a veteran of 20 years' service
c. : one seasoned by intensity of experience or service however brief either in or out of military life
the veterans of a battle
2. : an old tree (as from a former stand) ; specifically : a tree over two feet in diameter breast high
II. adjective
Etymology: Latin veteranus old, veteran, from veter-, vetus old + -anus -an — more at wether
1. : grown old and skilled through experience : attained to competence through long practice (as of military life)
a veteran officer
the team depended on its veteran fielder
2. : extending over a great period : prolonged
veteran service to his country
3. : of, relating to, or characteristic of a veteran : available to veterans : dealing with veterans
veteran steadiness
a veteran administrator
veteran benefits
a veteran camp