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

While a hat-trick against West Indies earlier this year added to the list of achievements, it is six scalps on debut that have gone down in Australian sporting legend.

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“I’ve seen many an opening night, but this is a new twist for me!” he said to Penelope, as he gave his scalp a good scratch under the horsehair wig.

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This was the result of the Swanburne hair poultice that was applied on a regular basis, to repel lice and fleas and encourage healthy scalps, according to school policy.

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Penelope’s scalp was already sweaty beneath her pith helmet, and she found herself shooing away imaginary gnats.

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And, really—if the Incorrigibles were in some kind of danger, why waste time worrying about the condition of Penelope’s scalp?

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