obsolete A person who is experienced in the ways of the world, especially one who is shrewd or cunning as a result. My uncle was a crafty old soldier, always looking for someway to get rich quick.You're never going to convince an old soldier like her to give you extra time off—she's been around the block and has seen the likes of you before, I can tell you that much!
old soldier
1. n. a cigarette or cigar butt; a hunk of tobacco. The tramp bent over to pick up an old soldier off the pavement.
2. n. an empty liquor bottle; an empty beer bottle or can. Larry hid all his old soldiers under the bed.