Category:Inveterate

In*vet"er*ate, a. Etym: [L. inveteratus, p. p. of inveterare to render old; pref. in- in + vetus, veteris, old. See Veteran.]

1. Old; long-established. [Obs.] It is an inveterate and received opinion. Bacon.

2. Firmly established by long continuance; obstinate; deep-rooted; of long standing; as, an inveterate disease; an inveterate abuse. Heal the inveterate canker of one wound. Shak.

3. Having habits fixed by long continuance; confirmed; habitual; as, an inveterate idler or smoker.

4. Malignant; virulent; spiteful. H. Brooke.

inveterate In*vet"er*ate, v. t.

Defn: To fix and settle by long continuance. [Obs.] Bacon.