Lewis & Short

scalpo, psi, ptum, 3, v. a. [root skalp-; Gr. σκάλοψ, mole; Lat. talpa; cf. scalprum; also Gr. γλύφω].

  1. I. To cut, carve, scrape, scratch, engrave (class.; syn. caelo), said of surface work, = ξέειν; sculpo, of deeper work, high relief, or statuary, = γλύφω: ad pingendum, ad fingendum, ad scalpendum apta manus est, Cic. N. D. 2, 60, 150: Phidiam tradunt scalpsisse marmora, Plin. 36, 5, 4, § 15: marmora ac scyphos, id. 35, 11, 40, § 128 (Sillig, sculpsit): gemmas, id. 37, 10, 65, § 177: flores et acanthi eleganter scalpti, Vitr. 2, 7, 4.
    Poet.: sepulcro querelam, to carve, Hor. C. 3, 11, 52.
    Transf., to scratch: terram unguibus, to scratch, dig, Hor. S. 1, 8, 26; Col. 7, 5, 6: exulceratam verrucam, Suet. Dom. 16: nates, Pompon. ap. Non. 516, 26: caput uno digito, Juv. 9, 133: scalpendo tantum ferreis unguibus, Plin. 13, 7, 14, § 56.
  2. * II. Trop., in mal. part., to tickle, titillate: tremulo scalpuntur ubi intima versu, Pers. 1, 21.