scalp lock

noun

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

scalp lock

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of scalp lock¹

An Americanism dating back to 1815–25

Example Sentences

This he had tied to his carefully cultivated scalp-lock, where it switched in the passing breeze.

From Project Gutenberg

"Go now; your time has come," said the little brown bat on White Otter's scalp-lock.

From Project Gutenberg

These savages as a rule, do not wear their hair done up in the defiant scalp-lock form seen among their more northern kindred.

From Project Gutenberg

This consisted in plucking out the hair of his head, all but a tuft, or scalp lock, to which coloured feathers were tied.

From Project Gutenberg

"You shall see," she repeated, her pretty lip curling as Luysnes began to braid the man's scalp-lock.

From Project Gutenberg