veteran

Adjective

• rendered competent through trial and experience
  • a seasoned traveler
    
  • veteran steadiness
    
  • a veteran officer
    

Noun

• an experienced person who has been through many battles; someone who has given long service

• a person who has served in the armed forces

• a serviceman who has seen considerable active service
  • the veterans laughed at the new recruits
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  seasoned , veteran(a) , old-timer , oldtimer , old hand , warhorse , old stager , stager , vet , ex-serviceman , veteran soldier