n. & v.
--n.
1. the skin covering the top of the head, with the hair etc. attached.
2 a hist. the scalp of an enemy cut or torn away as a trophy by an American Indian. b a trophy or symbol of triumph, conquest, etc.
3 Sc. a bare rock projecting above water etc.
--v.tr.
1. hist. take the scalp of (an enemy).
2 criticize savagely.
3 US defeat; humiliate.
4 US colloq. resell (shares, tickets, etc.) at a high or quick profit.
Derivatives:
scalpless adj.
Etymology: ME, prob. of Scand. orig.