earlock

[ eer-lok ]

noun

1. a lock of hair worn near or in front of the ear.
2. Judaism. a lock of hair worn in front of each ear by Hasidic and Yemenite Jewish males in accordance with the scriptural prohibition against clipping the hair at the temples.

Word History and Origins

Origin of earlock¹

First recorded in 1765–75; ear ¹ + lock ²

Example Sentences

Here a musket-ball struck a pin out of the hair of Dr. Warren's earlock.

From Project Gutenberg

He was torn to pieces, had a bleeding ear, and a torn earlock.

From Project Gutenberg