stickler

noun

1. (Cornwall)A referee or adjudicator at a fight, wrestling match, duel, etc. who ensures fair play.

   “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.”

2. Someone who insistently advocates for something, especially for strict observance of a formal rule.

   “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."”

   “For the sticklers, here "final demand" is meant to include inventory investment.”

name

1. A surname.