stickle
to argue or haggle insistently, especially on trivial matters.
to raise objections; scruple; demur.
Origin of stickle
1Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use stickle in a sentence
"All the caves you want," said Bernel, scornful at such unusual stickling on the part of his chum.
A Maid of the Silver Sea | John OxenhamThis is seen in their way of stickling for accuracy when others repeat familiar word-forms.
Children's Ways | James SullyWhy, man, I found them fastened on him myself; and there was odd staving and stickling to make them 'ware haunch!'
Waverley, Or 'Tis Sixty Years Hence, Complete | Sir Walter ScottThe artists fought this influence, stickling a long time for the severer classicism of ancient Greece.
A Text-Book of the History of Painting | John C. Van Dyke"This will be brought to you by Stickling," the note said; but who Stickling was Vavasor did not know.
Can You Forgive Her? | Anthony Trollope
British Dictionary definitions for stickle
/ (ˈstɪkəl) /
to dispute stubbornly, esp about minor points
to refuse to agree or concur, esp by making petty stipulations
Origin of stickle
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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