stickle
[adjective]
Synonyms: steep, abrupt, arduous, precipitate, precipitous, sheer, sideling, steepdown, steep-to, steep-up
[verb]
Synonyms: demur, balk, boggle, gag, jib, scruple, shy, stick, strain, stumble

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Related Words: hold out, stall, contend, kick, object, protest

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

stickle adjective. ['stɪk(ǝ)l] Now dial.
[Old English sticol lofty, steep, difficult = Old Saxon stecul, Middle Low German stekel, Old High German stechal, from Germanic base of STICK verb¹.]
1. Of a hill or incline: steep. OE.

2. Of running water: rapid. L16.

3. Of the hair of an animal: rough, bristly. E17.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲

stickle noun¹. ['stɪk(ǝ)l] dial. E17.
[from the adjective.]
A shallow fast-flowing place in a river; a rapid.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲

stickle noun². ['stɪk(ǝ)l] L17.
[from the verb.]
1. Persistent activity or endeavour in something. Only in L17.

2. Contention, strife. Only in L17.

3. An agitated state of mind; consternation, alarm, bewilderment. dial. M18.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲

stickle verb. ['stɪk(ǝ)l] M16.
[Alt. of STIGHTLE.]
1. verb intrans. Act as a referee or umpire; mediate, intervene. M16-L17.

2. verb intrans. Be active or energetic; strive hard to do; take an active part in. M16-M18.
b. Contend against or that. M17-E18.

3. verb trans. Calm (a dispute, disputants); stop, quell, (a strife or contest). L16-M17.

4. verb intrans. Make difficulties, raise objections (about); scruple, demur (at). E17.
■ C. M. Yonge He did not stickle at Edward calling himself King of France and England.

5. verb intrans.
a. Strive or contend for. M17.
Athenaeum The plot..will..please those who stickle for happy endings.
b. Take the part of, stand up for (a person). Also with up. M17-M18.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲