Ob″e‐lisk (ŏb″ĕ‐lĭsk), n. [L. obeliscus, Gr. οβελἴσκοσ, dim. of οβελὄσ a spit, a pointed pillar: cf. F. obélisque.] 1. An upright, four-sided pillar, gradually tapering as it rises, and terminating in a pyramid called pyramidion. It is ordinarily monolithic. Egyptian obelisks are commonly covered with hieroglyphic writing from top to bottom.
2. (Print.) A mark of reference; — called also dagger. See Dagger, n., 2.