A soldier; a man engaged in warfare; specifically, one devoted to a military life; in an especially honorable sense, a brave or veteran soldier, A man engaged or experienced in war, or in the military life; a soldier; a champion, A person who is actively engaged in battle, conflict or warfare; a soldier or combatant

Plural form of veteran

A person who has served in the armed forces, A person who is long experienced or practiced in an activity or capacity, 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, adjective_ Having had long experience, practice, or service, Of or relating to former members of the military armed forces, especially those who served during wartime, rendered competent through trial and experience