STICKLE, verb intransitive [from the practice of prize-fighters, who placed seconds with staves or sticks to interpose occasionally.] 1. To take part with one side or other. Fortune, as she wont, turnd fickle, and for the foe began to stickle 2. To contend; to contest; to altercate. Let the parties stickle each for his favority doctrine. 3. To trim; to play fast and loose; to pass from one side to the other. STICKLE, verb transitive To arbitrate. [Not in use.]
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI