reference mark

noun

1. Surveying. a permanent mark set at a specific distance in a specific direction from a survey station so as to permit accurate reestablishment of the station.
2. any of various written or printed symbols, as an asterisk (*), dagger (†), or superscript number, used to indicate the presence of further information in a footnote, bibliography, or other text.

Word History and Origins

Origin of reference mark¹

First recorded in 1855–60