cane Definition

cane
noun

1. The long jointed hollow or pithy stem of certain plants, especially various small palms (eg rattan) and larger grasses (eg bamboo and sugar cane).
2. sugar cane.
3. The woody stem of a raspberry, blackberry or loganberry plant.
4. Thin stems or strips cut from stems, eg of rattan, for weaving into baskets, etc.
5. A walking-stick.

Thesaurus: stick, walking-stick, staff.
6. A long slim stick for beating people as a punishment, or for supporting plants.

Thesaurus: cudgel, rod, shillelagh, ferule.

verb caned, caning

1. To beat someone with a cane as a punishment.
2. To construct or mend with cane.
3. colloq
To beat or defeat.

Derivative: caning

A beating with a cane.

colloq
A severe defeat or humiliation.

Etymology: 14c: French, from Latin canna, from Greek kanna reed.