cane

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a stiff switch used to hit students as punishment

   The teacher thought using the cane was wrong.

2. 2
   noun

   a stick that people can lean on to help them walk

   The elderly person leaned on their cane for support.

3. 3
   verb

   to beat with a cane

   The convict was caned in the town square.

4. 4
   noun

   The stem of such a plant adapted for use as a tool:

   He stalked behind her simple narrative, a kill-joy parent, hasty, intolerant, keeping a special cane to enforce the authority of his sadistic God[.]

5. 5
   noun

   A rod-shaped tool or device, resembling the stem of the plant:

   After breaking his leg, he needed a cane to walk.

6. 6
   noun

   Split rattan, as used in wickerwork and basketry.

   The bed was the most extravagant piece. Its graceful cane halftester rose high towards the cornice and was so festooned in carved white wood that the effect was positively insecure, as if the great couch were trimmed with icing sugar.

7. 7
   verb

   To make or furnish with cane or rattan.

   to cane chairs

8. 8
   verb

   To destroy; to comprehensively defeat.

   Mudchester Rovers were caned 10-0.

Etymology

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.