ratan n 1: a switch made from the stems of the rattan palms [syn: {rattan}, {ratan}]
Ratan \Ra*tan"\ (r[.a]*t[a^]n"), n. See {Rattan}. [1913 Webster]
Rattan \Rat*tan"\ (r[a^]t*t[a^]n"), n. [Malay r[=o]tan.] [Written also {ratan}.] (Bot.) One of the long slender flexible stems of several species of palms of the genus {Calamus}, mostly East Indian, though some are African and Australian. They are exceedingly tough, and are used for walking sticks, wickerwork, chairs and seats of chairs, cords and cordage, and many other purposes. [1913 Webster]