» For similar words and other spellings and meanings, see Cane (disambiguation). A cane is a long, straight wooden stick, generally of bamboo, Malacca (rattan) or some similar plant, mainly used as a support, such as a walking stick, or as an instrument of punishment. Depending on the use, it's left in its natural state or improved (for example, smoothened, varnished). Walking stick Around the 17th or 18th century, the cane took over for the sword as an essential part of the European gentlem… (More on Cane)