rat·tan 
(ră-tăn, rə-)
(ră-tăn, rə-)n.
1. Any of various spiny climbing palms of the subfamily Calamoideae and especially the genus Calamus of tropical Africa and Asia, having long, tough, flexible stems.
2.
a. The stems of any of these palms, used to make furniture and other wickerwork.
b. Wickerwork made of the stems of these palms.
3. A switch or cane made from these palms.
[Malay rōtan (perhaps from raut, to pare or trim for use).]