In‐vet″er‐ate (?), a. [L. inveteratus, p. p. of inveterare to render old; pref. in- in + vetus, veteris, old. See Veteran.]
1. Old; long-established.
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.