stickler

Definition

A referee or adjudicator at a fight, wrestling match, duel, etc. who ensures fair play.

Etymology

From Middle English stighteler, stytelere, equivalent to stickle + -er. The judges at Cornish wrestling matches do indeed carry sticks which serve for signalling and as a badge of their office. This practice has evolved from holding swords and then swordsticks.

Example Sentences

• "In ancient time they were wont to employ third persons as sticklers, to see no treachery or disorder were used, and to beare witnes of the combates successe."
• "Basilius, the judge, appointed sticklers and trumpets whom the others should obey."
• "Our former chiefs, like sticklers of the war, / First sought to inflame the parties, then to poise."