stickler
Meaning
- A referee or adjudicator at a fight, wrestling match, duel, etc. who ensures fair play.
- Someone who insistently advocates for something, especially for strict observance of a formal rule.
Synonyms
hard-and-fast rule
stick fast to rules
hidebound system
Frequency
Pronounced as (IPA)
/ˈstɪk.lə/
Etymology
In summary
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.
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Notes
