Plural of vet, referring to veterinarians or military veterans. As a verb, means to examine carefully or investigate thoroughly.
Shortened from veterinarian (from Latin veterinarius 'of beasts of burden') or veteran (from Latin veteranus 'old, experienced'). The verb sense developed from the idea of careful medical examination.
The word 'vet' beautifully demonstrates English's love of efficient abbreviation - the same three letters can refer to someone who heals animals or someone who served in war, two completely different but equally respected professions.
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