Definition of: scalp

(skalp) noun
1. The skin of the top and back of the human skull, usually covered with hair; also, a portion of this, cut or torn away as a war trophy among certain North American Indians, particularly of the St. Lawrence region.
2. A similar piece taken from the head of a wild animal as an evidence that it has been killed for the collection of a bounty.
3. A political victory or defeat.
4. A denuded or bare summit, as of a hill or cliff.
5. On the stock exchange, a small profit taken by a speculator.
—v.t.
1. To cut or tear the scalp from.
2. Colloq. To buy (tickets) and sell again at prices exceeding the established rate.
3. Colloq. To buy and sell again quickly in order to make a small profit.
—v.i.
4. Colloq. To scalp bonds, tickets, etc. [ME, prob. <Scand. Cf. ON skālpr a sheath.]
—scalp′er noun