ˈstik(ə)lə(r) noun
( -s )
Etymology: stickle (III) + -er
1. : one that stickles: as
a.
(1) chiefly dialect : an umpire in a tournament or other test of strength or skill
(2) obsolete : one that intervenes in a dispute : mediator
b. obsolete : one that participates actively or is an active partisan ; also : meddler
c.
(1) archaic : one that opposes or raises objections — usually used with against
(2) : one that contends persistently and unyieldingly for something often of trifling importance (as a point of etiquette, a formality) — usually used with for
a stickler for formal clothes at formal functions — E.T.Hellman
is no stickler for the more rigid military courtesies — Ed Cunningham
a stickler for dignity — Newsweek
d. archaic : a backer in a contest : second
2. : something (as a problem, a question) that baffles or puzzles : poser , sticker
not hard to diagnose. It's the cure that's the stickler — Los Angeles (Calif.) Examiner