A cane is a long stick, generally of bamboo, malacca (rattan), or some similar plant, used as a walking stick; as a support for growing plants; for marking out a piece of ground; or as a material for constructing furniture or buildings. Rattan canes are used to beat the buttocks or palm as a form of corporal punishment.
Around the 17th or 18th century, the cane took over from the sword as an essential part of the European gentleman's wardrobe. In addition to its value as a decorative accessory, the cane also continued to fulfil some of the function of the sword as a weapon. The standard cane was malacca with a rounded metal grip. Some canes had specially weighted metalwork. Swordsticks concealed a blade within the stem.
It is apparently the case that a licence was required to carry a cane in London during the 18th century.
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