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scalp

scalp

noun SKALP Rare
Body & Health Body Parts

Origin: Borrowed from English 'scalp', of Scandinavian origin.

Usage Note

Scalp entered French as a borrowing from English, originally in the historical context of Native American warfare where the skin of the head was taken as a trophy. In modern French it also appears in medical contexts for the skin of the head (le cuir chevelu), though cuir chevelu is more clinical. The verb scalper means to scalp in both the historical and financial (ticket-touting) senses.

Examples

"Les guerriers prenaient le scalp de leurs ennemis."

Natural Translation

The warriors took the scalps of their enemies.

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