Emily Dickinson Lexicon

IN-VET'ER-ATE, a. [L. inveteratus, invetero; in and vetero, from vetus, old.]

1. Old; long established. It is an inveterate and received opinion. [Obs.] Bacon.
2. Deep rooted; firmly established by long continuance; obstinate; used of evils; as, an inveterate disease; an inveterate abuse; an inveterate course of sin.
3. Having fixed habits by long continuance; used of persons; as, an inveterate sinner.
4. Violent; deep rooted; obstinate; as, inveterate enmity or malice.