cane

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cane / kān/ • n. 1. the hollow, jointed stem of a tall grass, esp. bamboo or sugar cane, or the stem of a slender palm such as rattan. ∎  any plant that produces such stems. ∎  stems of bamboo, rattan, or wicker used as a material for making furniture or baskets: [as adj.] a cane coffee table. ∎ short for sugar cane. ∎  a flexible, woody stem of the raspberry plant or any of its relatives.2. a length of cane or a slender stick, esp. one used as a support for plants, as a walking stick, or as an instrument of punishment. ∎  (the cane) chiefly Brit. a form of corporal punishment used in certain schools, involving beating with a cane.• v. [tr.] 1. (often be caned) beat with a cane as a punishment.2. [usu. as adj.] (caned) make or repair (furniture) with cane: armchairs with caned seats.DERIVATIVES: can·er n.

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