scalper

Variant of scalp

scalp definition

scalp (skalp)

noun

  1. the skin on the top and back of the head, usually covered with hair
  2. a part of this, cut or torn from the head of an enemy for a trophy, as by certain North American Indians, frontiersmen, etc.
  3. a symbol, indication, or recognition of victory, prowess, etc.
  4. the skin on the top of the head of a dog, wolf, etc.
  5. 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

  1. to cut or tear the scalp from
    1. to cheat or rob
    2. to defeat decisively
  2. Informal to buy and sell in order to make small, quick profits
  3. 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:

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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