A person with long experience in military service or warfare. Also in figurative contexts.

a soldier who has seen long service.

One who serves in a campaign; esp. one who has served in many campaigns, a veteran; also figurative.

colloquial. A (usually formidable) man with a moustache.

colloquial (originally U.S.). Chiefly with old (also ageing, venerable, etc.). A veteran of many military or political campaigns, or (later)…

A veteran, esp. a former soldier or member of another of the armed forces; = veteran, n. 1 2.

The name of a cartoon character of the First World War (1914–18), portrayed as an old grumbling Cockney soldier with a walrus moustache.

an experienced soldier or military pilot.

slang. Australian, New Zealand, and U.S. (originally Military). A retired soldier recalled to (usually temporary) service (cf. dugout, n. 3); (in…

A soldier of Napoleon's Old Guard. Also transferred, a veteran soldier.