[ 'ɒb(ə)ləs ]
■ noun ( plural obeli -lʌɪ , -li: )
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 or doubtful.
Origin
ME: via L. from Gk obelos 'pointed pillar', also 'critical mark'.