Cane

n. [O. Fr. cane, N. Fr. canne, Pr. & Pg. cana, Catalan cana, canya, Sp. caña, It. canna, from Lat. canna. See CAN, n.] 1. (Bot.) A plant of several species belonging to different genera, such as Arundinaria, Calamus, Saccharum, &c. Among these are the reeds, as the bamboo, rattan, &c.; also, the sugar-cane. Like light canes, that first rise big and brave. B. Jonson. 2. A reed, or light, slender piece of wood or other material, used as a walking-stick; a staff. Stir the fire with your master's cane. Swift. 3. A lance or dart made of cane. *Judge-like thou sitt'st, to praise or to arraign The flying skirmish of the darted cane.* Dryden. 4. A measure of length used in some parts of Europe; at Naples, seven feet three inches and a half; at Toulouse, five feet eight inches and a half; at Provence, six feet five inches and a half.