n. [ See Stickle, v. t. ] One who stickles. Specifically: -- [ 1913 Webster ] (a) One who arbitrates a duel; a sidesman to a fencer; a second; an umpire. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ] Basilius, the judge, appointed sticklers and trumpets whom the others should obey. Sir P. Sidney. [ 1913 Webster ] Our former chiefs, like sticklers of the war, First sought to inflame the parties, then to poise. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ] (b) One who pertinaciously contends for some trifling things, as a point of etiquette; an unreasonable, obstinate contender; as, a stickler for ceremony. [ 1913 Webster ] The Tory or High-church were the greatest sticklers against the exorbitant proceedings of King James II. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ] |