First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1scalp
noun \ˈskalp\
: the skin on the top of your head where hair grows
: hair and skin that is cut or torn from the head of an enemy as a sign of victory
Full Definition of SCALP
1
a : the part of the integument of the human head usually covered with hair in both sexes b : the part of an animal (as a wolf or fox) corresponding to the human scalp
2
a : a part of the human scalp with attached hair cut or torn from an enemy as a token of victory b : a trophy of victory or accomplishment
3
chiefly Scottish : a projecting mass of bare ground or rock
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Origin of SCALP
Middle English, crown of the head, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse skālpr sheath; akin to Middle Dutch schelpe shell
2scalp
verb
: to remove the hair and skin from the head of (an enemy) as a sign of victory
: to buy tickets for an event and resell them at a much higher price
Full Definition of SCALP
transitive verb1
a : to deprive of the scalp b : to remove an upper part from
2
: to remove a desired constituent from and discard the rest
3
: to buy and sell so as to make small quick profits <scalp stocks> <scalp grain>; especially : to resell at greatly increased prices <scalp theater tickets>
intransitive verb
1
: to take scalps
2
: to profit by slight market fluctuations
— scalp·er noun
See scalp defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SCALP
1676
SCALPER Defined for Kids
1scalp
noun \ˈskalp\
Definition of SCALP for Kids
: the part of the skin of the head usually covered with hair
2scalp
verb
scalpedscalp·ing
Definition of SCALP for Kids
: to remove the scalp from
Medical Dictionary
scalp
noun \ˈskalp\
Medical Definition of SCALP
: the part of the integument of the head usually covered with hair in both sexes
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