[L. caret (there) is wanting, f. carēre to be in want of.]
A mark (‸) placed in writing below the line, to indicate that something (written above or in the margin) has been omitted in that place.
1710. W. Mather, Yng. Man’s Comp. (1727), 38. That which is called Caret (that is to say in English, it is wanting) markt with a Latine Circumflex, thus (‸) which is to shew where a Word forgotten … and placed above the Line, is to come in.
1824. J. Johnson, Typogr., II. viii. 218. Should a letter have been omitted, a caret is put at the place.
1870. Lowell, Study Wind. (1886), 301. Like the carets on a proof-sheet.
