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. scalpless adj.
[ ME, prob. of Scand. orig. ]