TeXipedia

maltese

Represents a decorative cross symbol with four equal arms and flared ends, historically used in religious and heraldic contexts.

Overview

Serves as a distinctive ornamental symbol in academic and religious texts, particularly in theological or historical manuscripts. Originally derived from the emblem of the Knights of Malta, this symbol has found modern applications:

  • Used as a decorative marker or section divider in formal documents
  • Common in theological texts and religious publications
  • Appears in historical references and heraldic documentation
  • Functions as an alternative to asterisks or daggers for footnote markers

Examples

Marking the end of a mathematical proof as an alternative to the traditional QED symbol.

2n+1 is prime for n=1,2,4 but not for n=8.✠2^n + 1 \text{ is prime for } n = 1,2,4 \text{ but not for } n = 8. \maltese 
2^n + 1 \text{ is prime for } n = 1,2,4 \text{ but not for } n = 8. \maltese

Using the maltese cross as a decorative mathematical delimiter.

f(x)=x2✠g(x)=x3f(x) = x^2 \maltese g(x) = x^3 
f(x) = x^2 \maltese g(x) = x^3

Indicating a special case or notable result in mathematical notation.

When n→∞, 1n→0✠\text{When } n \to \infty\text{, } \frac{1}{n} \to 0 \maltese 
\text{When } n \to \infty\text{, } \frac{1}{n} \to 0 \maltese