scalp lock

a long lock or tuft of hair left on the shorn scalp by some North American Indian men.

Origin of scalp lock

An Americanism dating back to 1815–25

scally, scallywag, scalogram, scaloppine, scalp, scalp lock, scalpel, scalping, scalpriform, scalprum, scaly

Alluding to the custom of the Indian of shaving off all the hair except the scalp-lock.

Traditions of the North American Indians, Vol. 3 (of 3) |James Athearn Jones
With this he unfastened from the dead man's scalp-lock a beautiful bit of scarlet down.

Indian Boyhood |[AKA Ohiyesa], Charles A. Eastman
Boys are even discarding the choti or scalp-lock and simply cut their hair short in imitation of the English.

The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India |R. V. Russell
They would go to London and seize fortune by the scalp-lock.

Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great, Volume 5 (of 14) |Elbert Hubbard

He told me that he was sure Indians had nailed us, and that his scalp-lock twitched all day.

Life and Adventures of 'Billy' Dixon |Billy Dixon

scalp lock

a small tuft or plait of hair left on the shaven scalp by American Indian warriors as a challenge to enemies