stickler

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, but this practice is generally held to be derived from the word and not the word from the practice, and is thus a false or popular etymology.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈstɪk.lə/

stickler (plural sticklers)

1. (now only Cornwall) A referee or adjudicator at a fight, wrestling match, duel, etc. who ensures fair play. [from 16th c.]
   • 1603, John Florio, transl.; Michel de Montaigne, chapter 27, in The Essayes, […], book II, printed at London: By Val[entine] Simmes for Edward Blount […], OCLC 946730821:

     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.

   • Sir Philip Sidney

     Basilius, the judge, appointed sticklers and trumpets whom the others should obey.

   • Dryden

     Our former chiefs, like sticklers of the war, / First sought to inflame the parties, then to poise.

2. Someone who insistently advocates for something. [from 17th c.]

   Synonyms: dogmatist, formalist, pedant, traditionalist

   Lexicographers are sticklers for correct language.

   • Jonathan Swift

     The Tory or High-church were the greatest sticklers against the exorbitant proceedings of King James II.

• stickle

• strickle, ticklers, trickles