caning

[ key-ning ]

noun

1. the act of providing chairs or the like with seats made of woven cane.
2. woven cane for seats of chairs or the like.
3. a beating with a cane.

caning

/ ˈkeɪnɪŋ /

noun

1. a beating with a cane as a punishment
2. informal.
   a severe defeat

Word History and Origins

Origin of caning¹

First recorded in 1705–15; cane + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

The 30-year-old had denied killing or injuring her son, who had suffered extensive and excruciating burns to his bottom half, but admitted caning him in accordance with her religious beliefs.

From BBC

“Well, we looked into the rules, and you know, you used to be able to cane,” Mullin said, referring to the infamous 1856 caning of Republican senator Charles Sumner, Mass., over Sumner's anti-slavery views.

From Salon

Alternatives to the death penalty under the new rules include caning and a jail term of up to 40 years.

From Reuters

Instead of the death penalty, lawmakers on Monday approved bills to give courts the option of imposing prison sentences of between 30 and 40 years and caning not less than 12 times.

From Seattle Times

While the death sentence remains, courts will now be given the option of imposing jail sentences of between 30 and 40 years and caning not less than 12 times, Deputy Law Minister Ramkarpal Singh said.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• flogging
• licking
• pounding
• spanking
• thrashing
• trouncing