stickler
noun/ˈstɪk.lə/UK
Etymology
From Middle English stighteler, stytelere, equivalent to stickle + -er. The judges at Cornish wrestling matches do indeed carry sticks which serve for signalling and as a badge of their office. This practice has evolved from holding swords and then swordsticks.
- inherited from stighteler
Definitions
A referee or adjudicator at a fight, wrestling match, duel, etc. who ensures fair play.
- In ancient time they were wont to employ third persons as sticklers, to see no treachery or disorder were used, and to beare witnes of the combates successe.
- Basilius, the judge, appointed sticklers and trumpets whom the others should obey.
- Our former chiefs, like sticklers of the war, / First sought to inflame the parties, then to poise.
Someone who insistently advocates for something, especially for strict observance of a…
Someone who insistently advocates for something, especially for strict observance of a formal rule.
- Lexicographers are sticklers for correct language.
- The Tory or High-church were the greatest sticklers against the exorbitant proceedings of King James II.
A surname.
The neighborhood
- neighborstickle
Derived
Vish — recursive loop
No curated loop yet for stickler. Loops are being traced one word at a time while the ingestion pipeline matures.
sense glosses and etymology drawn from English Wiktionary · source · CC-BY-SA