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 Biblical prohibition against clipping the hair at the temples. Leviticus 19:27.

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