This double-line symbol serves as a traditional footnote marker in printed text. It is typically the fifth mark in the standard sequence of reference marks, following the asterisk, dagger, double dagger, and section sign. Typesetters insert it into the body text to direct the reader to a corresponding note at the bottom of the page.
Heard on the job
The editor wants a footnote here, so drop a parallel into the text and set the note at the foot.
Insider tip
The standard sequence for footnote symbols is asterisk, dagger, double dagger, section mark, parallel, and then the paragraph mark.
Also heard as
- parallel mark