Emily Dickinson Lexicon

STICK'LE, v.i. [from the practice of prize-fighters, who placed seconds with staffs or sticks to interpose occasionally. – Johnson.]

1. To take part with one side or other. Fortune, as she wont, turn'd fickle, / And for the foe began to stickle. – Hudibras.
2. To contend; to contest; to altercate. Let the parties stickle each for his favorite doctrine.
3. To trim; to play fast and loose; to pass from one side to the other. – Dryden.