Bible Dictionary
SCALL
Scall refers to bald or scaly patches of eruption on the skin, mentioned in the laws concerning examination of disease in Leviticus 13–14.
Definition
Scall refers to bald or scaly patches of eruption on the skin. The term is used in the laws concerning examination of skin disease.
Biblical Usage
Scall occurs repeatedly in Leviticus 13 and 14, where it describes particular bald or scaly eruptions subject to examination under the law.
Historical Background
Such patches are generally associated with parasitic organisms. The form now known as scalled head can be produced by the microscopic plant Achorion schoenleinii. In older English, scall referred especially to scabbiness of the head.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>skol (netheq; thrausma): This only occurs in Leviticus 13 and 14 where it is used 14 times to describe bald or scaly patches of eruption on the skin. Such patches are generally the result of the action of parasitic organisms. The common form known now as scalled head is produced by a microscopic plant, Achorion schoenleinii. In Old and Middle English, scall was used for scabbiness of the head (Chaucer and Spenser). See also Skeat, Concise Etymol. Dict. of English Language.</p>