# stickler

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈstɪk.lə/ · frequency rank #50,248

## Definitions
1. A referee or adjudicator at a fight, wrestling match, duel, etc. who ensures fair play.
2. Someone who insistently advocates for something, especially for strict observance of a formal rule.

## 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.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/stickler