In*vet"er*ate (?), v. t. To fix
and settle by long continuance. [Obs.] Bacon.
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. [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.