■ noun
1》 the hollow jointed stem of tall reeds, grasses, etc., especially bamboo or the slender, pliant stem of plants such as rattan.
↘a woody stem of a raspberry or related plant.
2》 a length of ~ or a slender stick used as a support for plants, a walking stick, or an instrument of punishment.
■ verb
1》 beat with a ~ as a punishment.
2》 Brit. informal take (drink or drugs) in large quantities.
Derivatives
~r noun
Origin
ME: from OFr., via L. from Gk kanna , kannē , of Semitic origin.