['?b(?)l?s]
¦ noun (plural obeli -l??, -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'.