Veteran

adj. of or pertaining to veterans; experienced, seasoned

n. soldier who has been serving in the armed forces for a long time and has much experience; former member of the armed forces; one who is seasoned and experienced in any area

A veteran (from Latin vetus, meaning "old") is a person who is experienced in a particular area, and is particularly used in Russia and the United States to refer to people in the armed forces. It often refers to retired armed services personnel. A veteran is one who has served in the armed forces and has an honorable discharge; a common misconception is that one had to have either been in combat and/or has retired from active duty to be called a veteran. Because of this widely held misconception, women have often been excluded from this equation. Each state (of the United States) sets specific criteria for state-specific veterans benefits. For federal medical benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, prior to Sept. 7, 1980 the veteran must have served at least 180 days of active duty, after the above-mentioned date, the veteran must have served at least 24 months. However, if the veteran was medically discharged and receives a VA service-connected disability stipend, the time limits are not applicable.
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n. veteran, one who has had combat experience; former member of the armed forces; one who has seen long service in any area

adj. old, former, veteran

n. veteran, soldier who has been serving in the armed forces for a long time and has much experience, former member of the armed forces, one who is seasoned and experienced in any area

(n.)
One who has been long exercised in any service or art, particularly in war; one who has had.
  

(a.)
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.