cane

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A thin stick that someone leans on to help them walk.

   The elderly man leaned on his cane as he climbed the stairs.

2. 2
   noun

   A thin stick once used to hit children as punishment.

   In the past, teachers were allowed to use the cane on misbehaving pupils.

3. 3
   noun

   The hard, hollow stem of certain tall plants such as sugar or bamboo.

   Workers cut the sugar cane by hand in the heat.

4. 4
   verb

   To hit someone with a cane as a punishment.

   The prisoner was caned in the public square.

From Middle English cane, canne, from Old French cane (“sugar cane”), from Latin canna (“reed”), from Ancient Greek κάννα (kánna), from Akkadian 𒄀 (qanû, “reed”), from Sumerian 𒄀𒈾 (gi.na). Doublet of canna and kaneh. Related to channel and canal.

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