Noah Webster
Stickle
STICKLE, verb intransitive [from the practice of prize-fighters, who placed seconds with staves or sticks to interpose occasionally.]
1. To take part with one side or other.
Fortune, as she wont, turnd fickle, and for the foe began to stickle
2. To contend; to contest; to altercate. Let the parties stickle each for his favority doctrine.
3. To trim; to play fast and loose; to pass from one side to the other.
STICKLE, verb transitive To arbitrate. [Not in use.]