double obelisk
C2Technical, Historical, Academic
Definition
Meaning
A symbol consisting of two obelisks (†), used in textual annotation.
A rare punctuation mark (⁂) formed by two dagger symbols (†), often used to indicate a footnote or a reference, particularly in historical or religious texts. In modern usage, it is highly specialized.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Refers specifically to the typographical character ⁂ (U+2042). It is distinct from the single dagger (†) and double dagger (‡). Its use is almost entirely confined to critical editions, biblical commentary, and archival material.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage between British and American English; both treat it as an extremely rare, archaic typographical symbol.
Connotations
Scholarly, pedantic, antiquated. Implies deep textual analysis or referencing.
Frequency
Vanishingly rare in general use. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British academic publishing due to historical traditions in classical and theological scholarship.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[The double obelisk] + [marks/indicates/denotes] + [a footnote/reference]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in philology, theology, and classical studies to mark a second level of footnote after the single dagger (†).
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Used in advanced typesetting and Unicode discussions.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The editor chose to double-obelisk the second reference.
American English
- The manuscript double-obelisks all references to the apocryphal text.
adverb
British English
- The citation was marked double-obelisk, indicating its secondary source.
American English
- The reference was denoted double-obelisk in the critical apparatus.
adjective
British English
- The double-obelisk footnote provided crucial context.
American English
- Look for the double-obelisk annotation on page 247.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I see a strange symbol (⁂) in my book.
- The double obelisk in the text points to a footnote.
- In scholarly editions, a double obelisk often indicates a reference to a variant manuscript reading.
- The scribe's marginalia were systematically tagged with a double obelisk to distinguish them from the primary editor's comments.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine two ancient stone obelisks side-by-side (††), forming a gateway to hidden notes at the bottom of a page.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE IS A HIERARCHICAL STRUCTURE (the double obelisk marks a deeper level of reference than the single one).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'двойной обелиск', which would refer to a monument. The technical term is 'двойной крестик' or 'знак сноски ⁂'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with the double dagger (‡).
- Using it in general writing.
- Pronouncing 'obelisk' with the stress on the second syllable.
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you most likely to encounter a 'double obelisk' (⁂)?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
U+2042, named ASTERISM.
No. A double obelisk is ⁂ (two daggers side-by-side), while a double dagger ‡ is a single, distinct character. The double obelisk is much rarer.
Almost never in everyday life. Its use is restricted to specialized academic publishing, particularly in creating multi-layered footnote systems in historical or religious texts.
On most systems, you would need to use a character map tool or insert the Unicode character U+2042 directly. It is not on standard keyboards.