Obs. [Alteration of stiʓtler STIGHTLER, by substitution of (f) for (χy).] = STICKLER. a. A mediator or umpire; ? one who intervenes between combatants. b. One who is active or stirring (in a matter); a busybody; a wrangler.
1473. Paston Lett., III. 98. The Kyng ententyth … to be as bygge as they bothe, and to be a styffeler atweyn them.
1565–6. Abp. Parker, Corr. (P. Soc., 1853), 252. The drift was (as I judged) for Dethick to continue such stifflers in the College of his pupils, to win him in time, by hook or crook, the master’s room.
1585. Greene, Planetom., E 1 b. Promising … neuer to be a stifler in the like cause.
a. 1825. Forby, Voc. E. Anglia, Stifler, a stickler; one who is very busy and active in any matter; as it were raising a dust.
