stickler
/ˈstɪk.lə/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.55 in modern English
14
Scrabble Score
8
Letters
3
Syllables
8
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
A referee or adjudicator at a fight, wrestling match, duel, etc. who ensures fair play.
noun
Someone who insistently advocates for something, especially for strict observance of a formal rule.
name
A surname.
Example Sentences
- "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."
- "Lexicographers are sticklers for correct language."
- "The Tory or High-church were the greatest sticklers against the exorbitant proceedings of King James II."
- ""If you're accused of profiling or pretextual stops, you can bring your daily logbook to court and document that pulling over motorists for 'stickler' reasons is part of your customary pattern," Remsberg writes, "not a glaring exception conveniently dusted off in the defendant's case.""
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.
Origin
Word Breakdown
- Root: stighteler
Regional Pronunciation
- British English: /ˈstɪk.lə/