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Webster 1913 Edition


Stickler

Stic′kler

(stĭk′klẽr)
,
Noun.
[See
Stickle
,
Verb.
T.
]
One who stickles.
Specifically: –
(a)
One who arbitrates a duel; a sidesman to a fencer; a second; an umpire.
[Obs.]
Basilius, the judge, appointed
sticklers
and trumpets whom the others should obey.
Sir P. Sidney.
Our former chiefs, like
sticklers
of the war,
First sought to inflame the parties, then to poise.
Dryden.
(b)
One who pertinaciously contends for some trifling things, as a point of etiquette; an unreasonable, obstinate contender;
as, a
stickler
for ceremony
.
The Tory or High-church were the greatest
sticklers
against the exorbitant proceedings of King James II.
Swift.

Webster 1828 Edition


Stickler

STICKLER

,
Noun.
1.
A sidesman to fencers; a second to a duelist; one who stands to a judge a combat.
Basilius the judge, appointed sticklers and trumpets whom the others should obey.
2.
An obstinate contender about any thing; as a stickler for the church of for liberty.
The tory or high church clergy were the greatest sticklers against the exorbitant proceedings of king James.
3.
Formerly, an officer who cut wood for the priory of Ederose, within the kings parks of Clarendon.

Definition 2024


stickler

stickler

English

Noun

stickler (plural sticklers)

  1. (now only Cornwall) A referee or adjudicator at a fight, wrestling match, duel, etc. who ensures fair play. [from 16th c.]
    • 1603, John Florio, translating Michel de Montaigne, Essayes, London: Edward Blount, OCLC 946730821, II.27:
      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.
    • Sir Philip Sidney
      Basilius, the judge, appointed sticklers and trumpets whom the others should obey.
    • Dryden
      Our former chiefs, like sticklers of the war, / First sought to inflame the parties, then to poise.
  2. Someone who insistently advocates for something. [from 17th c.]
    Lexicographers are sticklers for correct language.
    • Jonathan Swift
      The Tory or High-church were the greatest sticklers against the exorbitant proceedings of King James II.

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