scratch wig

American  

noun

1. a short wig, especially one that covers only part of the head.

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Etymology

Origin of scratch wig

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

At length the door opened, and an old gentleman appeared in a scratch wig, with an ominously red nose, and clothed in a costume which, in its condition, greatly resembled his habitation.

From Ben Burton Born and Bred at Sea by Webb, Archibald

From my tub I had previously taken an old scratch wig and a small box of phosphorus paste, for which I have a certain use.

From At War with Pontiac The Totem of the Bear by Munroe, Kirk

Finally the keepers dragged me before a little pompous fellow with a scratch wig and red face, called himself Rington.

From Our Admirable Betty A Romance by Farnol, Jeffery

"Poor Sir Piers!" said Mr. Coates, a small man, in a scratch wig, with a face red and round as an apple, and almost as diminutive.

From Rookwood by Ainsworth, William Harrison

A square, glass lamp hung at the foot of the stairs; and there he encountered a man in a scratch wig, with a long nose flattened at the end.

From The Three Black Pennys A Novel by Hergesheimer, Joseph