scalp lock

American  

noun

1. a long lock or tuft of hair left on the shorn scalp by some North American Indian men.

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scalp lock British  

noun

1. a small tuft or plait of hair left on the shaven scalp by American Indian warriors as a challenge to enemies

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Etymology

Origin of scalp lock

An Americanism dating back to 1815–25

Example Sentences

Now, researchers have used badly fragmented DNA from Sitting Bull’s scalp lock—a short braid kept for ceremonial purposes—to confirm that a Sioux man from South Dakota is the storied chief’s great-grandson.

From Science Magazine

Those fellows over there are barely sticking their scalp locks over the trenches.

From Project Gutenberg

At this time the Pawnees wore their hair in the ancient fashion, cut as the Osages wear theirs; the whole head was shaved except a roach running back from the forehead beyond the scalp lock.

From Project Gutenberg

Their grim and painted visages, close shaven crowns, scalp locks, and gaudy feathers, appeared through the medium of the red and flickering light reflected from the water, in horrible distinctness.

From Project Gutenberg

White Otter, however, wore a single eagle feather in his scalp lock.

From Project Gutenberg