† sticklen.2
/ˈstɪkl/. Obsolete.
1. Persistent activity or endeavour (in a cause); striving; an effort.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > endeavour > [noun] > striving or struggling
wrestlingc890
wragging?c1225
wraggling?c1225
strugglingc1386
straining1580
contention1583
strift1612
strifea1616
striving?1615
stickle1652
agonism1688
strain1693
struggle1833
floundering1868
the mind > will > decision > perseverance or persistence > [noun]
beleaving1340
continuationc1374
improbityc1380
perseveringc1380
perseverancec1384
continuancec1405
perseverationa1500
patience1517
constancea1533
importunity1533
persistence1546
persisting1576
going-on1578
persistency1600
constancy1623
stickle1652
rubbing shift1675
doggedness1824
stick-to-itiveness1859
persistiveness1864
holdfastness1869
continuativeness1881
stick-to-itness1881
1652 Mercurius Politicus 8–15 July 1731 We have had in our Vergadering no small stickle, to make our young tender Orange Twig Stadtholder, that is, Governor.
1675 V. Alsop Anti-Sozzo iii. 173 Thus the poor Gentiles, after all his zealous stickle in their Cause, are left in the lurch to shift for themselves as well as they can.
1756 Bungiana 33 Vid shatter'd Intrepid, you made a stickle, To save our van vrom being in a pickle.
1814 W. Ettrick Second Exodus (ed. 2) 270 Upon this principle seems to have been the great sticklealways made for the privileges of the clerical order.
2. Contention or strife between (also 'twixt) parties.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > dissent > contention or strife > [noun]
i-winc888
wrestlingc890
fightc1000
flitec1000
teenOE
winOE
ungrithlOE
wara1200
cockingc1225
strife?c1225
strivingc1275
struta1300
barratc1300
thro1303
battlec1375
contentionc1384
tuggingc1440
militationa1460
sturtc1480
bargain1487
bargaining1489
distrifea1500
concertation1509
hold1523
conflict1531
ruffle1532
tangling1535
scamblingc1538
tuilyie1550
bustling1553
tilt1567
ruffling1570
wresting1570
certationc1572
pinglinga1578
reluctation1593
combating1594
yoking1594
bandying1599
tention1602
contrast1609
colluctation1611
contestationa1616
dimication1623
rixation1623
colluctance1625
decertation1635
conflicting1640
contrasto1645
dispute1647
luctation1651
contest1665
stickle1665
contra-colluctation1674
contrasting1688
struggle1706
yed1719
widdle1789
scrambling1792
cut and thrust1846
headbutting1869
push-and-pull1881
contending1882
thrust and parry1889
aggro1973
1665 R. Wild Grateful Non-conformist (single sheet) Was't to feed Faction, or uphold the stickle Between the Old Church and New Conventicle?
1682 N. O. tr. N. Boileau-Despréaux Lutrin i. 77 Have I by secreet Arts, nourisht the Stickle Between the Church-men, and the Conventicle?
1706 J. Dunton Dunton's Whipping-post I. ii. 77 'Tis his Determination ends the Stickle 'Twixt Convocation and Conventicle.
3. Chiefly English regional (northern). An agitated or bewildered state of mind; a state of consternation or alarm; a hurry.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > excitement > nervous excitement > [noun]
fever1340
motiona1398
quotidian?a1439
rufflea1535
commotion1581
fret1582
hurry1600
puddering1603
tumultuousnessa1617
trepidation1625
feverishness1638
boilingc1660
fermentationc1660
tumult1663
ferment1672
stickle1681
fuss1705
whirl1707
flurry1710
sweat1715
fluster1728
pucker1740
flutter1741
flustration1747
flutteration1753
tremor1753
swithera1768
twitteration1775
state1781
stew1806
scrow1808
tumultuating1815
flurrification1822
tew1825
purr1842
pirr1856
tête montée1859
go1866
faff1874
poultry flutter1876
palaver1878
thirl1879
razzle-dazzle1885
nervism1887
flurry-scurry1888
fikiness1889
foment1889
dither1891
swivet1892
flusterment1895
tither1896
overwroughtness1923
mania1925
stumer1932
tizzy1935
two and eight1938
snit1939
tizz1953
tiswas1960
wahala1966
1681 Char. of Jesuit (single sheet) There is more Religion practis'd on Ship-board, when the Foaming Billows beat, and the busie Tarpawlins are in a stickle,..then in one of their Cloysters.
1744 S. Robinson Let. 4 Mar. in E. J. Climenson Elizabeth Montagu (1906) I. 176 I was very composed, never thinking there would be any occasion to put myself in a stickle.
1795 T. Wilkinson Wandering Patentee III. 82 She was in a violent stickle to be at Edinburgh, but had only proceeded the first stage on her northern journey.
1825 J. T. Brockett Gloss. North Country Words Stickle, a hurry, a bustle.
1853 G. J. Cayley Las Alforjas I. 218 The old Moorish merchant, who was in a tremendous stickle to get his wheat to the market at Tangier.
1877 F. Ross et al. Gloss. Words Holderness Stickle, fuss; perplexity; embarrassment; bewilderment; excitement.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2017; most recently modified version published online March 2019).
stickleadj.1n.1
/ˈstɪkl/, U.S. /ˈstɪk(ə)l/ A. adj.1† 2. Of a storm: harsh, severe. Obsolete.† 3. Chiefly English regional (south-western). Of running water: having a swift current. Obsolete.
1. Esp. of a hill or path: steep, sloping; set at a sharp angle; high. Also: rough, rugged. English regional (south-western) in later use.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > land > landscape > high land > slope > [adjective] > steep
stickleOE
steepc1175
shore14..
steyc1480
proclive1524
steeping1530
brant1545
steepy1565
abrupt1591
dreich1597
downsteepy1603
acclive1616
arduous1711
sharp1725
acclivous1730
rapid1785
declivitous1799
acclivitous1803
scarped1823
proclivitous1860
stoss1878
resequent1906
OE Rule St. Benet (Corpus Oxf.) Prol. 5 Se [weg] is neara and sticol, þe to life and to heofona rice læt.
OE Ælfric Lives of Saints (Julius) (1881) I. 284 Moyses þa astah to þam sticolan munte.
c1155 ( Bounds (Sawyer 414) in S. E. Kelly Charters of Bath & Wells (2007) 74 Þonne be westan rode oþ sticelan stig, þonne be þære stige oþ þa ealdan dic.
c1443 R. Pecock Reule of Crysten Religioun (1927) 186 (MED) If a man schulde clymbe vpon a stikil hil..and if he fil from þe hil he schulde falle into water and be dreynt, [etc.].
a1450 St. Katherine (Richardson 44) (1884) 62 (MED) The place where sche lay yn was so stykel and so streyt and so dangerous to come to that vnnethe eny mannys mynde myght ymagyne how hyt myght be doo.
a1500 Partenay (Trin. Cambr.) l. 5848 Thys mont..narew and stikell to sight.
1519 W. Horman Vulgaria xxi. f. 177v That grounde boweth beste: that is easely stykell [L. qui clementer molliterque adsurgit].
1623 R. Carpenter Conscionable Christian 23 Admonishing vs to auoyd..the thorny copse of couetousnesse, and the stickle path of pride.
1796 W. Marshall Provincialisms W. Devonshire in Rural Econ. W. Eng. I. 330 Stickle, steep, as a road.
1894 W. Raymond Love & Quiet Life iii. 28 The cottage with the stickle roof.
1904 J. Street Mynster of Ile xiii. 388 Woody coombes, with moory patches and stickle paths.
1926 W. Crossing Cranmere 24 He'd a toughish job at the setting out Ov he's long an' toilsome tridge, Vur the hill was stickle, like the roof ov a house.
1967 H. Orton & M. F. Wakelin Surv. Eng. Dial. IV. ii. 402 Q[uestion]. If the road up a slope is not like this [i. gentle rise], but like this [i. steep rise], you say it is..[Somerset, Devon, Dorset] Stickle.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > weather and the atmosphere > weather > bad weather > [adjective] > stormy > violent or raging
sharp1377
sticklec1450
angry1557
storming1557
furious1585
mad1594
rageful1595
angered1603
main1627
tearing1633
irrefrenary1658
c1450 (?a1400) Wars Alexander (Ashm.) l. 4186 And stint was all þe stikill stormes in a stand-quile.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > water > rivers and streams > action of river > [adjective] > flowing rapidly or violently
stiff?a1366
sternc1374
throc1380
despitousa1450
stith1487
pouring1577
stickle1587
testy1610
sharp1655
unruly1697
1587 J. Hooker tr. Giraldus Cambrensis Vaticinall Hist. Conquest Ireland ii. vii. 37/1 in Holinshed's Chron. (new ed.) II They found the same to be so deepe and stikle [L. rapidi profundique], that they could not passe ouer the same.
1614 A. Gorges tr. Lucan Pharsalia i. 23 Through stickle Rhene the boates to steare.
1680 J. Wood Shepherdy Spiritualiz'd 45 An Horse will like to drink where the water is a little stickle.
1796 W. Marshall Provincialisms W. Devonshire in Rural Econ. W. Eng. I. 330 Stickle,..rapid, as a stream.
1890 Fishing, Fish Culture & Aquarium 5 Apr. 160/2 The fish be a bit backward this year, seems to I, and the most on 'em baint got into the stickle water yet.
1894 R. D. Blackmore Perlycross III. xiv. 282 A mile of water..bright with stickle runs.
B. n.1† 1. A steep slope. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1519 W. Horman Vulgaria f. 247v Myn horse coude nat vp vpon the stykel of the hyll.
2. Originally English regional (south-western). A section of river where the bed slopes and the water is shallow and runs swiftly; a rapid.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > water > rivers and streams > system > [noun] > rapids
white water1482
sault1600
shoota1609
stickle1616
swift1661
rift1727
rapid1744
rattle1770
rip1775
riffle1865
spate1884
1616 W. Browne Britannia's Pastorals II. iv. 108 Patient Anglers standing all the day Neere to some shallow stickle or deepe bay.
1857 G. H. Kingsley in Fraser's Mag. Jan. 82/2 I..rushed frantically through stickle and over stone.
1887 W. H. H. Rogers Memorials of West 19 A kind of little bay among some reeds, at the foot of a stickle.
1931 Scotsman 20 May 15/2 If you drop your worm into any little pool between the bushes or let it run down any little stickle between the stones you will get a trout as often as not.
1989 M. Veale Fishing Flies & their Plumage iii. 29 Good for fishing runs and stickles when there is no apparent rise.
Derivatives
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > water > rivers and streams > action of river > [noun] > swiftness or violence
sticklenessOE
the world > space > relative position > inclination > [noun] > inclination from the level or slope > steepness (except of hills, etc.)
sticklenessOE
steepnessc1440
brantnessa1642
shelvingness1699
OE Aldhelm Glosses (Brussels 1650) in L. Goossens Old Eng. Glosses of MS Brussels, Royal Libr. 1650 (1974) 427 In edito : up, in altum, in fastigio, on hehte, on sticylnysse.
1587 J. Hooker tr. Giraldus Cambrensis Vaticinall Hist. Conquest Ireland ii. vii. 37/1 in Holinshed's Chron. (new ed.) II The stiklenesse and danger of the water.
1602 R. Carew Surv. Cornwall ii. f. 120v A path..in many places, through his sticklenesse occasioning, and through his steepnesse threatning, the ruine of your life, with the failing of your foote.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2017; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
stickleadj.2
/ˈstɪkl/, U.S. /ˈstɪk(ə)l/ Now rare (English regional (Yorkshire) in later use).
Of the hair of an animal: rough, bristly.Recorded earliest in the compound stickle-haired.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > animal body > general parts > covering or skin > [adjective] > having a coat > hairy, furry, or woolly > having bristles or bristly
bristleda1300
birsya1522
birsit1553
bristling1607
stickle-haired1615
starey1869
chaetigerous1896
1615 G. Sandys Relation of Journey i. 76 Their dogs..that serue for that purpose [sc. hunting] are stickle haired, and not vnlike to the Irish grayhounds.
1737 H. Bracken Farriery Improved viii. 69 Horses surfeited which..have their Coats stareing and stickle, (as the term is).
1810 R. Parkinson Treat. Breeding & Managem. Live Stock II. 41 This hair is commonly found on the thighs in the greatest abundance, and is similar to that on the face and legs of sheep, by some persons called stickle hair.
1868 J. C. Atkinson Gloss. Cleveland Dial. 496 Stickle-haired, with the hair rough and bristling; of the coat of a neglected horse or colt.
1928 A. E. Pease Dict. Dial. N. Riding Yorks. 128/1 His coat is ez stickle ez a prickyback-otchen.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2017; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
sticklev.
/ˈstɪkl/, U.S. /ˈstɪk(ə)l/ 1. † b. transitive. To intercede between or reconcile (disputants or combatants); to settle, resolve (a dispute or contest). Also with forth. Obsolete.
a. intransitive. To officiate at a wrestling match or other contest; to act as a referee. Hence more generally: to act as a mediator; to intercede or intervene. Frequently with between, among. Now only with reference to Cornish wrestling.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > dissent > absence of dissension or peace > bringing about concord or peace > become at peace with each other [verb (intransitive)] > mediate
stightlec1440
stickle1530
moderate1597
mediate1616
to step in1657
interpose1710
mediatize1885
society > leisure > sport > judging or umpiring > umpire or referee [verb (intransitive)]
sticklea1643
stand1846
referee1883
umpire1901
ref1929
society > armed hostility > peace > pacification > make peace [verb (intransitive)] > part combatants
to part a fight (also fray)1533
stickle1693
break it up1936
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 736/1 I styckyll betwene wrastellers, or any folkes that prove mastries to se that none do other wronge.
1598 R. Dallington View of Fraunce sig. I 4v The..Great Prouost..of the Kings house... His Office is to stickle among the Seruants, Pages, Lacqueis, and Filles de ioye.., and to punish all offences in these people.
1613 T. Heywood Siluer Age iii. sig. K2 Stay and forbeare your vp-roare, till our club Stickle amongst you.
a1643 W. Cartwright Ordinary (1651) iii. v. 54 There had been bloud-shed, if I had not stickled.
1693 J. Dryden Disc. conc. Satire in J. Dryden et al. tr. Juvenal Satires p. x The same Angel..when half of the Christians are already kill'd..stickles betwixt the Remainders of God's Host, and the Race of Fiends.
1931 Manch. Guardian 15 Jan. 16/1 We've all agreed that you should come down to pub this night to stickle atween their two voices.
2016 Rule Bk. in www.cornishwrestling.co.uk (O.E.D. Archive) 6.4 Any Stickler who is also a Wrestler cannot stickle in any bout in any classification that he is himself registered to wrestle in.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > dissent > absence of dissension or peace > bringing about concord or peace > bring to peace (strife or discord) [verb (transitive)]
appease1330
peasea1387
soberc1430
pacifya1513
stay1537
stickle1556
still1570
society > armed hostility > peace > pacification > make (peace) [verb (transitive)] > pacify (strife or contention)
appease1330
peasec1330
pacifya1513
stickle1556
1556 J. Heywood Spider & Flie lxxxvii. sig. Mmii Concience shalbe one,..and custom another. Syr then will those two, fall at a fraie a none...Reason shall stikill them brother: To make them a gree.
1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry iv. f. 181v Their fightes, whither it be among them selues, or one Hiue with an other, are easely stickled.
1578 Bible (Geneva) Almanacke 25 June (note) As on this day, was the conflict at Mersbrough, betweene the Emperour Henrie the fourth, and Rodolfe duke of Sueuia, stickled forth by the Pope, Anno. 1080.
1600 P. Holland tr. Livy Rom. Hist. vii. xiv. 258 So as now they had growne to a full skirmish and battaile indeed, had not the Centurions speedily stickled them, and ended the fray.
1612 M. Drayton Poly-olbion xi. 180 Heere, Weeuer..to the Muse refers The hearing of the Cause, to stickle all these stirs.
1630 M. Drayton Muses Elisivm vi. 51 Betwixt which three a question grew, Who should the worthiest be, Which violently they pursue, Nor stickled would they be.
2. † a. intransitive. To be busy or energetic; to take an active part (in a cause, affair); to strive or contend vigorously. Sometimes: spec. to meddle, to interfere. Obsolete.† b. intransitive with infinitive as complement. To strive or endeavour to do or bring about something. Obsolete.† d. intransitive. With with: to contend with, to fight. Obsolete.† e. transitive. With clause as object. To contend or maintain that. Also: to argue which, whether, etc. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > doing > activity or occupation > be occupied or busy (in or at something) [verb (intransitive)]
playOE
wendc1325
wallowc1380
busyc1384
plya1393
walka1400
stickle1566
to ply it1582
bebusied1603
to work overtime1938
1566 T. Drant tr. Horace Medicinable Morall sig. Aijv The lytle ant..stickleth, and bestirres her selfe She huswyfes it right well.
1570 P. Levens Manipulus Vocabulorum sig. Kiii/1 To Stickle in a matter, contendere, litigare.
1601 J. Mush Dialogue Secular Priest & Lay Gentleman 104 It were better..that hee were shut vp for euer in some religious house, than to bee stickling abroad, and tampering in all matters as hee dooth.
1644 P. Gosnold Serm. Publique Fast 18 Those restlesse spirits who can no longer live, then be stickling and medling.
1655 Baily's Life Bp. Fisher xvi. 119 My Lord of Rochester was the onely man that most stickled in this businesse.
1656 R. Sanderson 20 Serm. 335 Oh, how we can stickle in our own Causes!
1663 S. Butler Hudibras: First Pt. i. ii. 105 Or Argument, in which b'ing valiant, He us'd to lay about and stickle, Like Ram or Bull, at Conventicle.
1690 J. Dryden Amphitryon i. i. 6 Nay the very Goddesses wou'd stickle in the cause of Love.
1721 T. D'Urfey Two Queens Brentford 9 A good Body of undone Tradesmen, if they would stickle hard, would do my Business.
1764 T. Bridges Homer Travestie II. x. 197 For as, says he, our woeful pickle Requires that ev'ry man shall stickle.
1829 Christian Remembrancer Sept. 558 His Lordship, as well as many other excellent churchmen and good patriots, rightly judging that the Doctor's cause was that of the Church of England, stickled with all their might in his behalf.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > endeavour > make an attempt or endeavour [verb (intransitive)] > strive or struggle
hiec888
to stand inc1175
wrag?c1225
wrestle?c1225
stretcha1375
strivec1384
pressc1390
hitc1400
wring1470
fend15..
battle1502
contend?1518
reluct1526
flichter1528
touse1542
struggle1597
to lay in1599
strain?1606
stickle1613
fork1681
sprattle1786
buffet1824
fight1859
1613 J. Chamberlain Let. 14 Oct. (1939) I. 479 The Lord Cooke doth so stickle and fence by all the meanes and frends he can make, not to remove.
1680 H. More Apocalypsis Apocalypseos 119 The Devil..will stickle to do as much mischief as he can among you.
1683 London Gaz. No. 1835/2 And for that end in all Elections they stickled to Chuse the most disaffected into Offices of the greatest Trust in the Government.
1727 J. Swift Let. 13 May in Corr. (1963) III. 207 I hear no News about your Bishops, farther than that the Lord Lieutenant stickles to have them of Ireland.
1766 T. Mortimer New Hist. Eng. III. xiii. 776/1 The governor stickled hard to obtain permission to send the ships to Spain.
1827 W. Scott Let. 2 Aug. in Times 16 Oct. Tom..used to stickle a good deal to keep his place in public opinion.
c. intransitive. With against: to fight or act in opposition to, to resist.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > difficulty > opposition > oppose [verb (transitive)] > strive against
to stand with ——OE
warc1230
contrast1489
gainstrive1549
oppugn1591
warsle1606
combat1627
stickle1627
reluctate1668
antagonize1742
to fight up against1768
1627 R. Sanderson Ten Serm. 274 Vnwilling to stickle against a maior part, whether they goe right or wrong.
1659 P. Heylyn Examen Historicum i. 7 Our Author doth as mainly stickle against it.
1678 Spanish Hist. 122 He stickled not against those [sc. taxes] that were raised for the repairing of the Palace of Germany.
1709 J. Strype Ann. Reformation iii. 76 This also the Roman Prelates in the House did tooth and nail stickle against.
a1795 S. Bishop Poet. Wks. (1796) II. 95 I hope, you'll not quarrel With this little barrel; Nor scornfully stickle Against oysters in pickle.
1833 Niles' Reg. May (Suppl. to Volume XLIII.) 100/2 When the gentlemen who made this observation were stickling against giving the president these powers.., they were straining at a gnat and swallowing a camel.
1879 Essex Standard 8 Nov. 2/6 Why did they stickle against combination when they had the chance of combining with others who were anxious to fight their battles and do their cause some service?
a1957 R. G. Vansittart Mist Procession (1958) xix. 386 He..stickled against knee-breeches at Court.
1990 N.Y. Times 17 Oct. (Living section) c1/3 Cooks stickle against the stew state of mind.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > dissent > contention or strife > contend [verb (intransitive)]
winc888
fightc900
flitec900
wraxlec1000
wrestlea1200
cockc1225
conteckc1290
strivec1290
struta1300
topc1305
to have, hold, make, take strifec1374
stightlea1375
debatec1386
batea1400
strugglec1412
hurlc1440
ruffle1440
warc1460
warslea1500
pingle?a1513
contend1529
repugn1529
scruggle1530
sturtc1535
tuga1550
broilc1567
threap1572
yoke1581
bustle1585
bandy1594
tilt1595
combat1597
to go (also shake, try, wrestle) a fall1597
mutiny1597
militate1598
combatizec1600
scuffle1601
to run (or ride) a-tilt1608
wage1608
contesta1618
stickle1625
conflict1628
stickle1647
dispute1656
fence1665
contrast1672
scramble1696
to battle it1715
rug1832
grabble1835
buffet1839
tussle1862
pickeer1892
passage1895
tangle1928
the world > action or operation > doing > activity or occupation > occupy or engage (a person) [verb (transitive)] > engage in or busy oneself about
fanda1375
entermetea1393
deala1400
makea1400
apply?c1400
to have in occupation?1523
lie1546
entreat1590
to consist in1606
tirea1616
stickle1647
to be in the business of1873
1647 N. Bacon Hist. Disc. Govt. 179 The Pope having lately been blooded against a brave Emperour, made the lesse difficulty to stickle with a valiant King.
1664 S. Butler Hudibras: Second Pt. ii. ii. Argt. 67 The Knight and Squire in hot Dispute..Are parted with a sudden fright Of strange Alarm, and stranger Sight; With which adventuring to stickle, They'r sent away in nasty pickle.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > maintaining or upholding as true > maintain or uphold as true [verb (transitive)]
haveOE
werea1300
maintainc1350
confirmc1380
sustainc1430
defendc1475
to hold in hand1530
uphold1530
soothea1556
dispute1610
sticklea1661
to hold out1847
claim1864
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > debate, disputation, argument > controversy, dispute, argument > argue about, dispute [verb (transitive)]
traverse?1504
arguea1513
to stand in terms?a1562
to stand with ——1579
argle1589
bandy1589
balk1590
ventilate1607
controvert1609
sticklea1661
chop1685
militate1754
a1661 T. Fuller Worthies (1662) Yorks. 208 Scotch Historians stickle with might and maine, that such Homage was performed onely for the County of Cumberland.
1678 S. Butler Hudibras: Third Pt. iii. ii. 123 The cause is in the lurch, Between a right, and Mungrel-Church: The Presbyter, and Independent, That stickle, which shall make an end on't.
1753 J. Maclaurin Cry for Help Church of Scotl. 18 If I knew any Thing that about a Dozen Brethren..would have a Scruple at, I would heartily wish and zealously stickle that the Assembly should appoint them to do it.
1812 M. Mathews Leading Speeches 95 And if so, that he is really and truly a Catholic—and I won't stickle with him whether he is a good one or not—perhaps I may give him my vote!
1847 Prairie Farmer July 204/2 Ye ‘strict constructionists’, who stickle that the general government has no right or authority in the constitution to build harbors any where upon fresh water for the purpose of saving human life.
3. † b. intransitive. With for: to strive or contend on behalf of (a person); to stand up for. Also to stickle up for. Obsolete.
a. intransitive. With for: to strive or contend for (a desired object, an issue, principle, etc.). Also with up and with (cf. sense 2d). Now somewhat rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > dissent > contention or strife > contend [verb (intransitive)]
winc888
fightc900
flitec900
wraxlec1000
wrestlea1200
cockc1225
conteckc1290
strivec1290
struta1300
topc1305
to have, hold, make, take strifec1374
stightlea1375
debatec1386
batea1400
strugglec1412
hurlc1440
ruffle1440
warc1460
warslea1500
pingle?a1513
contend1529
repugn1529
scruggle1530
sturtc1535
tuga1550
broilc1567
threap1572
yoke1581
bustle1585
bandy1594
tilt1595
combat1597
to go (also shake, try, wrestle) a fall1597
mutiny1597
militate1598
combatizec1600
scuffle1601
to run (or ride) a-tilt1608
wage1608
contesta1618
stickle1625
conflict1628
stickle1647
dispute1656
fence1665
contrast1672
scramble1696
to battle it1715
rug1832
grabble1835
buffet1839
tussle1862
pickeer1892
passage1895
tangle1928
society > society and the community > dissent > contention or strife > contend [verb (intransitive)] > engage on behalf of or against something
stickle1625
to take up the bucklers1647
to take up the cudgels1654
1625 T. Jackson Treat. Originall of Vnbeliefe 310 The Pope should make the first step or entry to his oecumenicall Supremacie by stickling for Images against the Emperour.
1642 T. Fuller Holy State iii. xx. 208 Pride..makes men stickle for their opinions, to make them fundamentall.
1647 N. Bacon Hist. Disc. Govt. 226 They had courage enough..to stickle both with King and people for their own liberties.
a1680 J. Glanvill Saducismus Triumphatus (1681) i. 166 Those that so stickle and sweat for the proving their Opinion.
1728 J. Morgan Compl. Hist. Algiers I. iv. 93 Without any of those mighty advantages so sanguinely stickled for by each Pretender to a Superiority in Purity of Morals.
1756 London Mag. App. 636 He left Corsica, in order to stickle with certain powers of Europe for assistance.
1787 Pharos II. xxxi. 75 I do not recollect that he enjoyed here any one of the conveniences for which we had so stickled.
1841 Fraser's Mag. Apr. 470/2 I know how scrupulously she always stickles up for decorum.
1869 E. M. Goulburn Pursuit of Holiness x. 95 Stickling for the letter while the spirit is disregarded.
1901 H. Rashdall & R. S. Rait New College, Oxf. 207 Scholars will no longer stickle for his view that Hebrew was the language spoken in Paradise.
1905 Athenæum 10 June 713/3 The plot..will..please those who stickle for happy endings.
2006 El Paso (Texas) Times (Nexis) 4 Oct. Even fancy restaurants that stickle for jackets on gentlemen don't demand ties.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > support or encouragement > support or encourage [verb (transitive)] > support or defend
to stand by ——OE
to speak for ——a1300
to stand for ——1384
maintainc1390
to stand up for1562
to stand out for?c1576
to stand to ——1582
patronize1595
stickle1632
to stick up for1792
championize1840
champion1844
to take up the cudgels1869
1632 D. Rogers Pract. Catech. iii. 48 In Arbitratorships, not stickling for parties, but for a peaceable agreement upon equall condition betweene them.
1652 P. Heylyn Cosmographie i. sig. E3 If Servilius and others..had not stickled hard for him with the Souldiers.
1663 S. Butler Hudibras: First Pt. i. iii. 202 When Fortune (as she's wont) turn'd fickle And for the foe began to stickle.
1703 S. Centlivre Love's Contrivance iv. ii. 41 Come, come, Cousin, we never stickle up for the Person we don't care for.
1719 in Colonial Rec. Pennsylvania (1852) III. 72 He was Mr. Penn's stiff Friend and had stickl'd for him tho' to no effect.
1748 S. Richardson Clarissa V. viii. 91 The Widow Bevis indeed stickled hard for me.
1821 W. Cobbett Amer. Gardener (new ed.) Pref. §9 The gentleman has chosen the gardener; and the reason why he stickles for him is, that, if he allow the gardener to be a bad one, he himself has made a bad choice.
4.
a. intransitive. To make difficulties about something one objects to; to raise objections; to scruple; to quibble. Chiefly with at, about, specifying the thing objected to.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > difficulty > present difficulties [verb (intransitive)] > make difficulties
to make (it) strange?1456
stickle1656
the mind > will > wish or inclination > unwillingness > be unwilling [verb (intransitive)]
nillOE
loathea1200
to make it tough1297
forthinka1300
reckc1300
ruea1400
to make (it) strangec1405
to make strangenessc1407
stick1418
resistc1425
to make (it) strange?1456
steek1478
tarrowc1480
doubt1483
sunyie1488
to make (it) nice1530
stay1533
shentc1540
to make courtesy (at)1542
to make it scrupulous1548
to think (it) much1548
to make dainty of (anything)1555
to lie aback1560
stand1563
steek1573
to hang back1581
erch1584
to make doubt1586
to hang the groin1587
to make scruple (also a, no, etc., scruple)1589
yearn1597
to hang the winga1601
to make squeamish1611
smay1632
bogglea1638
to hang off1641
waver1643
reluct1648
shy1650
reluctate1655
stickle1656
scruple1660
to make boggle1667
revere1689
begrudge1690
to have scruples1719
stopc1738
bitch1777
reprobate1779
crane1823
disincline1885
1656 W. Sanderson Compl. Hist. Mary & James VI i. 46 They obtained for every Borough, a donation of Altarage, Annalls, and Obites, which alwaies heretofore were due to the Papists, but now to be disposed for maintenance of the Ministery, without stickling at these Abominations.
1660 F. Eglesfield Life & Reigne King Charles II 247 He will not stick to promote his own ambitious interest.., being a greater Politician then to stickle at such rules as the sense of Honour, goodnesse, or justice it self.
1792 R. Heron tr. C. Niebuhr Trav. Arabia II. xxviii. iv. 302 This people do not indeed always stickle at perjury; but in a case of such serious importance, they are careful to deal conscientiously.
1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. II. iv. v. 232 Flying for life, one does not stickle about his vehicle.
1851 W. E. Gladstone Memorandum 22 Apr. in J. Morley Life Gladstone (1903) I. iii. vii. 406 He came back with a fresh message to go at once, and hear what Stanley had to say. I did not like to stickle, and went.
1870 C. M. Yonge Cameos ci, in Monthly Packet July 17 He did not stickle at Edward calling himself King of France and England.
1879 F. W. Farrar Life & Work St. Paul I. vi. xxii. 417 His soul was too large to stickle about matters of no moment.
1905 G. Santayana Life of Reason III. ix. 170 If it is right that there should be wrong at all, there is no particular reason for stickling at the quantity or the enormity of it.
1988 F. Jennings Empire of Fortune (1990) ii. x. 215 The desire to win, and a disinclination to stickle at the means.
2012 Sydney Morning Herald (Nexis) 29 Mar. 24/8 I've been known to stickle about the parsimonious use of sherry in trifles.
b. intransitive. With infinitive as complement. To scruple or hesitate to do something. Chiefly in negative constructions. (e.g. he did not stickle to). Cf. stick v.1 19. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > inaction > not doing > abstaining or refraining from action > abstain or refrain from action [verb (intransitive)]
to let bec1000
fastOE
withdraw1297
letc1374
forbearc1375
abstaina1382
sparec1386
respitea1393
to let alonea1400
refraina1402
supersede1449
deport1477
to hold one's handa1500
spare1508
surcease1542
detract1548
to hold back1576
hold1589
to stand by1590
to hold up1596
suspend1598
stickle1684
to hold off1861
to bottle it1988
1684 tr. A. O. Exquemelin Bucaniers Amer. iii. vi. 74 Those lewd Fellows would not much stickle to swear falsly in points of Interest.
1720 A. Ramsay Poems 264 And, with your Leave, I needna stickle To say wer're in a sorry Pickle.
1755 T. Alcock Nature & Obligation of Oaths 23 A man that can allow himself, to cheat in his Customs, Insurance, and to make a false Entry or Protest, will seldom stickle to swear to them.
1840 R. H. Barham Leech of Folkestone in Ingoldsby Legends 1st Ser. 119 Some..stickle not to aver that you are cater-cousin with Beelzebub himself.
1869 Bow Bells 10 Feb. 70/2 He who turns spy for pleasure, wouldn't stickle to be hangman for business.
1913 Eng. Rev. Nov. 485 A girl of size, Whom seeing no man you'd say would stickle To take to church and make a woman.
1948 C. Rossiter Constit. Dictatorship vii. 92 The French legislature did not stickle to resort on a wholesale scale to the nation's chief weapon of constitutional dictatorship.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2017; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.21652
adj.1n.1OEadj.21615
v.1530