WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Vet"er*an
Part of Speech : a.
Etymology : [L. veteranus, from vetus, veteris, old; akin to Gr. vatsara. See Wether.]
Definition : Defn: 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.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913

Pronunciation : Vet"er*an
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [L. veteranus (sc. miles): cf. F. v?t?ran.]
Definition : Defn: 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.

Note: In the United States, during the civil war, soldiers who had served through one term of enlistment and had re?nlisted were specifically designated veterans.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913