vet

n. [ Vetch + -ling. ] (Bot.) Any small leguminous plant of the genus Lathyrus, especially Lathyrus Nissolia. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. 1. Consisting of vetches or of pea straw. “A vetchy bed.” Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Abounding with vetches. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. veteranus, from vetus, veteris, old; akin to Gr. 'e`tos year, Skr. vatsara. See Wether. ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

The insinuating eloquence and delicate flattery of veteran diplomatists and courtiers. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

[ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. veteranus (sc. miles): cf. F. vétéran. ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Ensigns that pierced the foe's remotest lines,
The hardy veteran with tears resigns. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ In the United States, during the civil war, soldiers who had served through one term of enlistment and had reenlisted were specifically designated veterans. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To reenlist for service as a soldier. [ U. S. ] Gen. W. T. Sherman. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. veterinarius. See Veterinary. ] One skilled in the treatment of diseases of cattle or domestic animals; a veterinary surgeon. Often abbreviated to vet. [ 1913 Webster + PJC ]

a. [ L. veterinarius of or belonging to beasts of burden and draught, fr. veterinus, probably originally, of or pertaining to yearlings: cf. F. vétérinaire. See Veteran, Wether. ] Of or pertaining to the art of healing or treating the diseases of domestic animals, as oxen, horses, sheep, various pets, etc.; as, a veterinary writer or school. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Bot.) An East Indian grass (Andropogon muricatus); also, its fragrant roots which are much used for making mats and screens. Also called kuskus, and khuskhus. [ Sometimes written vetivert, and vitivert. ] [ 1913 Webster ]