[f. LOVE sb. + LOCK sb.1] A curl of a particular form worn by courtiers in the time of Elizabeth and James I.; later, any curl or tress of hair of a peculiar or striking character.
1592. Lyly, Midas, III. ii. 43. Wil you haue … your loue-locke wreathed with a silken twist, or shaggie to fal on your shoulders?
1628. Prynne (title), The Vnlovelinesse of Love-lockes.
1840. Marryat, Poor Jack, i. Lovelocks, as the sailors term the curls which they wear on their temples.
1894. A. Griffiths, Secrets Prison Ho., II. IV. ii. 63. Bandoline, which she used in making love-locks to adorn her forehead and her temples.
transf. 1886. ‘Maxwell Gray,’ Silence Dean Maitland, I. i. 12. Each [cart-] horse wore his mane in love-locks, combed over his eyes.
