obelus

[ ob-uh-luh s ]
/ ˈɒb ə ləs /

noun, plural ob·e·li [ob-uh-lahy] /ˈɒb əˌlaɪ/.

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

Origin of obelus

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

Example sentences from the Web for obeli

British Dictionary definitions for obeli

obelus
/ (ˈɒbɪləs) /

noun plural -li (-ˌlaɪ)

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

Word Origin for obelus

C14: via Late Latin from Greek obelos spit