scalp

[ skalp ]

/ skælp /

noun

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

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.

any token of victory.

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

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

verb (used with object)

to cut or tear the scalp from.

Informal.

to resell (tickets, merchandise, etc.) at higher than the official rates.
to buy and sell (stocks) so as to make small quick profits.

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

verb (used without object)

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

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What does "scattergood" mean?

a person who acts as though he or she knows everything and who dismisses the opinions, comments, or suggestions of others.

a person who spends possessions or money extravagantly or wastefully; spendthrift.

a well-intentioned but naive and often ineffectual social or political reformer.

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Origin of scalp

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

OTHER WORDS FROM scalp

scalper, nounscalpless, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for scalp

I was now reduced to a single knife, of the kind fabricated for the Indians, under the name of scalper.
Scenes and Adventures in the Semi-Alpine Region of the Ozark Mountains of Missouri and Arkansas|Henry Rowe Schoolcraft
The Scalper avoided the blow by leaping on one side, and replied with his machete; Tranquil fell on his knee with a pierced thigh.
The Freebooters|Gustave Aimard
"Come," he said to the Scalper, who was a silent witness of this scene.
The White Scalper|Gustave Aimard
Each curiously extended his ear to hear the Scalper's answer.
The Freebooters|Gustave Aimard

A deep silence prevailed; suffering from lively anxiety, all impatiently waited for the Scalper to speak.
The White Scalper|Gustave Aimard

British Dictionary definitions for scalp

scalp

/ (skælp) /

noun

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

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

a trophy or token signifying conquest

hunting, mainly US 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

informal, mainly US a small speculative profit taken in quick transactions

Scot dialect a projection of bare rock from vegetation

verb (tr)

to cut the scalp from

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

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

Derived forms of scalp

scalper, noun

Word Origin for scalp

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for scalp

scalp

[ skălp ]

n.

The skin covering the top of the head.

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scalp