obelisk

n. [ L. obeliscus, Gr. 'obeli`skos, dim. of 'obelo`s 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Print.) A mark of reference; -- called also dagger [ † ]. See Dagger, n., 2. [ 1913 Webster ]