war-horse

[wawr-hawrs] /ˈwɔrˌhɔrs/
noun
1.
a horse used in war; charger.
2.
Informal. a veteran, as a soldier or politician, of many struggles and conflicts.
3.
a musical composition, play, etc., that has been seen, heard, or performed excessively.
Origin
1645-55; war1 + horse
British Dictionary definitions for warhorse

warhorse

/ˈwɔːˌhɔːs/
noun
1.
a horse used in battle
2.
(informal) a veteran soldier, politician, or elderly person, esp one who is aggressive
Word Origin and History for warhorse
n.

1650s, "powerful horse ridden into war," from war + horse (n.). Figurative sense of "seasoned veteran" of anything is attested from 1837. In reference to women perceived as tough, by 1921.

Slang definitions & phrases for warhorse

warhorse

noun

A seasoned and reliable veteran; a grizzled doyen (1837+)