stickler

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See also: Stickler

English

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Etymology

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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.

Pronunciation

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Noun

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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.]
  2. Someone who insistently advocates for something, especially for strict observance of a formal rule. [from 17th c.]
    Synonyms: dogmatist, formalist, pedant, traditionalist
    Lexicographers are sticklers for correct language.
    • 1713, Jonathan Swift, A Preface to Bishop Burnet's Introduction:
      The Tory or High-church were the greatest sticklers against the exorbitant proceedings of King James II.
    • 2019, Malcolm Gladwell, Talking to Strangers:
      "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."
    • 2024, Jeremy B. Rudd, A Practical Guide to Macroeconomics, p. 12
      For the sticklers, here "final demand" is meant to include inventory investment.
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Translations

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Anagrams

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