vet·er·an /ˈvɛtərən, ˈvɛtrən/
  老手,退伍軍人,老兵,老樹(a.)老兵的,老練的,經驗豐富的
  Vet·er·an 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.
     The insinuating eloquence and delicate flattery of veteran diplomatists and courtiers.   --Macaulay.
  Vet·er·an n.  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.   --Addison.
  Note: ☞ In the United States, during the civil war, soldiers who had served through one term of enlistment and had reenlisted were specifically designated veterans.
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  veteran
       adj : rendered competent through trial and experience; "troops
             seasoned in combat"; "a seasoned traveler"; "veteran
             steadiness"; "a veteran officer" [syn: seasoned, veteran(a)]
       n 1: a serviceman who has seen considerable active service; "the
            veterans laughed at the new recruits" [syn: veteran
            soldier]
       2: a person who has served in the armed forces [syn: vet, ex-serviceman]
       3: an experienced person who has been through many battles;
          someone who has given long service [syn: old-timer, oldtimer,
           old hand, warhorse, old stager, stager]