cane 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: wrong answers were rewarded by the cane.