earlock

American  

[eer-lok] / ˈɪərˌlɒk /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of earlock

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

Example Sentences

He began to play with the earlock on the right side of his face.

From Literature

Danny turned away from the window and began to play with his earlock again, caressing it and twirling it around his index finger.

From Literature

He leaned an elbow upon the large podium, and then the hand that was stroking the beard began to play with an earlock.

From Literature

Occasionally, the fingers of his right hand would play with his earlock, and once they stroked the tufts of sand-colored hair on his chin for a few seconds, then went back to the side of his face.

From Literature

He paused, hesitating, his hand moving from the book and playing now with an earlock.

From Literature