scalper
Variant of scalp
scalp
definition
scalp (skalp)
noun
- the skin on the top and back of the head, usually covered with hair
- a part of this, cut or torn from the head of an enemy for a trophy, as by certain North American Indians, frontiersmen, etc.
- a symbol, indication, or recognition of victory, prowess, etc.
- the skin on the top of the head of a dog, wolf, etc.
- ☆ Informal a small profit made by scalping
Etymology: ME < Scand, as in Dan dial. skalp, pod, shell, ON skalpr, sheath < IE *skelb-, extension of base *(s)kel- > scale
transitive verb
- to cut or tear the scalp from
- to cheat or rob
- to defeat decisively
- Informal to buy and sell in order to make small, quick profits
- Informal to resell (tickets to the theater, a sports event, etc.) at a price higher than the regular price
intransitive verb
Informal to scalp bonds, tickets, etc.
Related Forms:
- scalper scalp′er noun
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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