veteran

A person who has served in the armed forces.

An old soldier who has seen long service.

A person who is long experienced or practiced in an activity or capacity.

Same as veteranize.

Grown old in service.

Hence— Practised and skilful.

Entitled to consideration and allowance on account of long service.

In milit. matters, practised and accustomed to war, as distinguished from raw, newly enlisted, etc.

Long-continued; of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a veteran or veterans.