Very old Roman soldier? (9)

I believe the answer is:

centurion

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'roman soldier?' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for centurion that I've seen before include "Roman leader of 100 soldiers" , "Leading Roman" , "Commander in ancient Rome" , "Nocturne I played for old Roman army officer" , "roman soldier" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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