obelus — ONAD

obelus /ˈäbələs, ˈɑbələs

▸ noun

(plural obeli /ˈäbəˌlī, ˈɑbəˌlaɪ

1 a symbol (†) used as a reference mark in printed matter, or to indicate that a person is deceased. Also called dagger.

2 a mark (– or ÷) used in ancient texts to mark a word or passage as spurious, corrupt, or doubtful.

– ORIGIN late Middle English : via Latin from Greek obelos ‘pointed pillar’, also ‘critical mark’.