Emily Dickinson Lexicon

STICK'LER, n.

1. A sidesman to fencers; a second to a duelist; one who stands to judge a combat. Basilius the judge, appointed sticklers and trumpets whom the others should obey. – Sidney.
2. An obstinate contender about any thing; as, a stickler for the church or for liberty. The tory or high church clergy were the greatest sticklers against the exorbitant proceedings of King James. – Swift.
3. Formerly, an officer who cut wood for the priory of Ederose, within the king's parks of Clarendon. – Cowel.