Sentence:  Each cane consists of three parts: (1) the handle (which may or may not be covered by a rubber <WSD>handgrip</WSD>), (2) the shaft, and (3) the base (which is usually ... 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  A covering (often rubber or foam) on a handle, designed to allow the user a more comfortable or more secure hold on the handle.