Veteran
Veteran (vet"ẽr*an) , adjective
[Latin veteranus, from vetus, veteris, old; akin to Greek 'e`tos year, Sanskrit 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.
Veteran (vet"ẽr*an) , noun
[Latin veteranus (sc. miles): compare French vétéran.]
One who has been long exercised in any service or art, particularly in war; one who has had much experience, or has grown old or decrepit in service.
Ensigns that pierced the foe's remotest lines,
The hardy veteran with tears resigns.
In the United States, during the civil war, soldiers who had served through one term of enlistment and had reenlisted were specifically designated veterans.