stickle

To argue or contend stubbornly, especially about trivial or petty points.

To have or raise objections; scruple.

A sharp point; a prickle; a spine.

Steep; high; inaccessible.

High, as the water of a river; swollen; sweeping; rapid.

A shallow in a river where the water, being confined, runs with violence.

A current below a waterfall.

To interpose in and put a stop to; mediate between; pacify.

To interpose between combatants and separate them; mediate; arbitrate.

To take part with one side or the other; uphold one party to a dispute.