† ˈstiffler Obs.
[Alteration of stiᵹtler stightler, by substitution of (f) for ({cced}).]
= 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. |