Scalp Definition
skălp
scalped, scalping, scalps
noun
The skin on the top and back of the head, usually covered with hair.
Webster's New World
A portion of this skin with its attached hair, cut from a body especially as a battle trophy or as proof in claiming a bounty.
American Heritage
A part of this, cut or torn from the head of an enemy for a trophy, as formerly by certain North American Indians, frontiersmen, etc.
Webster's New World
The skin on the top of the head of a dog, wolf, etc.
Webster's New World
A piece of hide from the skull of certain animals, such as the fox, shown as proof of killing in order to collect a bounty.
American Heritage
verb
To cut or tear the scalp from.
Webster's New World
To scalp bonds, tickets, etc.
Webster's New World
To deprive of top growth or a top layer.
Land scalped by strip miners.
American Heritage
To cheat or rob.
Webster's New World
To defeat decisively.
Webster's New World
Origin of Scalp
Originally a northern word, and therefore presumed to come from a Scandinavian source, although the sense-development is unclear; compare Old Norse skálpr (“sheath"), Middle Dutch schelpe (“shell").
From Wiktionary
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Middle English top of the head of Scandinavian origin skel-1 in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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