ob·e·lus / ˈäbələs/ • n. (pl. -li / -ˌlī/ ) 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.

obelus in printing, a symbol (†) used as a reference mark in printed matter, or to indicate that a person is deceased; also called dagger. Obelus is also the name for a mark (– or ÷) used in ancient manuscripts to mark a word or passage as spurious, corrupt, or doubtful.

Recorded from late Middle English, the word comes via Latin from Greek obelos ‘pointed pillar’, also ‘critical mark’.