cane

Meanings

Noun

• A plant with simple stems, like bamboo or sugar cane, or the stem thereof
• The stem of such a plant adapted for use as a tool
• a rod-shaped tool or device, somewhat like a cane
• Split rattan, as used in wickerwork, basketry and the like
• A local European measure of length; the canna.

Verb

• to strike or beat with a cane or similar implement
• to destroy; to comprehensively defeat
• to do something well, in a competent fashion
• to produce extreme pain
• To make or furnish with cane or rattan.

Origin

• From Middle English cane, canne, from Old French cane, from Latin canna, from Ancient Greek κάννα, from Akkadian 𒄀, from Sumerian 𒄀𒈾. Related to channel and canal.