scalp

[ skalp ]

noun

1. the integument of the upper part of the head, usually including the associated subcutaneous structures.
2. 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.
3. any token of victory.
4. the integument on the top of the head of an animal.
5. Informal. a small profit made in quick buying and selling.

verb (used with object)

1. to cut or tear the scalp from.
2. Informal.
   1. to resell (tickets, merchandise, etc.) at higher than the official rates.
   2. to buy and sell (stocks) so as to make small quick profits.
3. to plane down the surfaces of (an ingot, billet, or slab).

verb (used without object)

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

scalp

/ skælp /

noun

1. anatomy the skin and subcutaneous tissue covering the top of the head
2. (among North American Indians) a part of this removed as a trophy from a slain enemy
3. a trophy or token signifying conquest
4. hunting 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
5. informal.
   a small speculative profit taken in quick transactions
6. dialect.
   a projection of bare rock from vegetation

verb

1. to cut the scalp from
2. informal.
   to purchase and resell (securities) quickly so as to make several small profits
3. informal.
   to buy (tickets) cheaply and resell at an inflated price

Derived Forms

• ˈscalper, noun

Other Words From

• scalper noun
• scalpless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of scalp¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of scalp¹

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

Example Sentences

Biceps bulging out of a sleeveless shirt, sweaty scalp wrapped in a white bandana, plastered fingers on his left hand gripping a racquet.

From BBC

She said she asked Biggs to look at her scalp for lice prior to the flight, and he said he didn’t see anything.

From Los Angeles Times

But with the Springboks unusually error-strewn and playing their first game since the end of the Rugby Championship more than a month ago, it feels like an opportunity missed to take a big scalp.

From BBC

While New Zealand head to France having added an Irish scalp to Saturday's win over England, the Six Nations champions must regroup before welcoming Argentina to Dublin next week.

From BBC

Dermatologists say that scalp treatments promote circulation and detoxify, as well as calm and hydrate skin, all of which can help prevent dandruff, itchiness, dryness and inflammation.

From Los Angeles Times