obelus

[ ob-uh-luhs ]

noun

, plural ob·e·li [ob, -, uh, -lahy].

1. a mark (− or ÷) used in ancient manuscripts to point out spurious, corrupt, doubtful, or superfluous words or passages.

obelus

/ ˈɒbɪləs /

noun

1. a mark (— or ÷) used in editions of ancient documents to indicate spurious words or passages
2. another name for dagger

Word History and Origins

Origin of obelus¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin < Greek obelós spit, pointed pillar

Word History and Origins

Origin of obelus¹

C14: via Late Latin from Greek obelos spit

Example Sentences

The purpose of the doubly pointed obelus is plainly indicated here, as it accompanies two of these catchwords.

From Project Gutenberg

But such was not the usage of Budaeus; he employed the obelus merely to call attention to something that interested him.

From Project Gutenberg

In his peculiar notation, Asides are marked by inverted commas, and obvious stage business is indicated by an obelus.

From Project Gutenberg