obelus /ˈɒbɪləs 
/ ▸ noun (plural obeli /ˈɒbɪlʌɪ /) 1 a symbol (†) used as a reference mark in printed matter, or to indicate that a person is deceased. 2 a mark (– or ÷) used in ancient manuscripts to mark a word or passage as spurious, corrupt or doubtful. – ORIGIN Old English obelus, via Latin from Greek obelos ‘pointed pillar’, also ‘critical mark’.
EnglishOxford Dictionary of English
