scalp

[skalp]

noun

1. the integument of the upper part of the head, usually including the associated subcutaneous structures.

2. a part of this integument with the accompanying hair, severed from the head of an enemy as a sign of victory, as by some North American Indians and others during the colonial and frontier periods in the U.S.

3. any token of victory.

4. the integument on the top of the head of an animal.

5. Informal.,  a small profit made in quick buying and selling.

verb (used with object)

1. to cut or tear the scalp from.

2. Informal.

   1. to resell (tickets, merchandise, etc.) at higher than the official rates.

   2. to buy and sell (stocks) so as to make small quick profits.

3. to plane down the surfaces of (an ingot, billet, or slab).

verb (used without object)

1. Informal.,  to scalp tickets, stocks, or the like.

scalp

/ skælp /

noun

1. anatomy the skin and subcutaneous tissue covering the top of the head

2. (among North American Indians) a part of this removed as a trophy from a slain enemy

3. a trophy or token signifying conquest

4. hunting a piece of hide cut from the head of a victim as a trophy or as proof of killing in order to collect a bounty

5. informal,  a small speculative profit taken in quick transactions

6. dialect,  a projection of bare rock from vegetation

verb

1. to cut the scalp from

2. informal,  to purchase and resell (securities) quickly so as to make several small profits

3. informal,  to buy (tickets) cheaply and resell at an inflated price

Other Word Forms

• scalper noun
• scalpless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of scalp¹

1250–1300; Middle English (north) (noun), perhaps < Old Norse skālpr sheath (hence, metaphorically a covering)

Word History and Origins

Origin of scalp¹

C13: probably from Scandinavian; compare Old Norse skalpr sheath, Middle Dutch schelpe, Danish skalp husk

Example Sentences

This challenge has driven researchers to explore new ways of improving how minoxidil is delivered to the scalp.

Read more on Science Daily

It took four wrestlers to subdue Jackson, who split another wrestler’s scalp open with a strike in the process, according to witnesses at the scene.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Clement won a League Cup, took some notable European scalps, drew with Europa League winners Spurs, and only lost in added time to Europa League runners-up, Manchester United, but still got binned.

Read more on BBC

She also finished as The Hundred's leading wicket-taker with 19 scalps in nine matches.

Read more on BBC

With Reform UK claiming a prominent Conservative scalp in Dorries overnight, Tice was asked whether he agreed with her support for "drastically" cutting public spending.

Read more on BBC