To stick up for

Stick Stick, v. i. 1. To adhere; as, glue sticks to the fingers; paste sticks to the wall. [1913 Webster]

The green caterpillar breedeth in the inward parts of roses not blown, where the dew sticketh. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]

2. To remain where placed; to be fixed; to hold fast to any position so as to be moved with difficulty; to cling; to abide; to cleave; to be united closely. [1913 Webster]

A friend that sticketh closer than a brother. --Prov. xviii. 24. [1913 Webster]

I am a kind of bur; I shall stick. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

If on your fame our sex a bolt has thrown, 'T will ever stick through malice of your own. --Young. [1913 Webster]

3. To be prevented from going farther; to stop by reason of some obstacle; to be stayed. [1913 Webster]

I had most need of blessing, and ``Amen'' Stuck in my throat. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

The trembling weapon passed Through nine bull hides, . . . and stuck within the last. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]

4. To be embarrassed or puzzled; to hesitate; to be deterred, as by scruples; to scruple; -- often with at. [1913 Webster]

They will stick long at part of a demonstration for want of perceiving the connection of two ideas. --Locke. [1913 Webster]

Some stick not to say, that the parson and attorney forged a will. --Arbuthnot. [1913 Webster]

5. To cause difficulties, scruples, or hesitation. [1913 Webster]

This is the difficulty that sticks with the most reasonable. --Swift. [1913 Webster]

{To stick by}. (a) To adhere closely to; to be firm in supporting. ``We are your only friends; stick by us, and we will stick by you.'' --Davenant. (b) To be troublesome by adhering. ``I am satisfied to trifle away my time, rather than let it stick by me.'' --Pope.

{To stick out}. (a) To project; to be prominent. ``His bones that were not seen stick out.'' --Job xxxiii. 21. (b) To persevere in a purpose; to hold out; as, the garrison stuck out until relieved. [Colloq.]

{To stick to}, to be persevering in holding to; as, to stick to a party or cause. ``The advantage will be on our side if we stick to its essentials.'' --Addison.

{To stick up}, to stand erect; as, his hair sticks up.

{To stick up for}, to assert and defend; as, to stick up for one's rights or for a friend. [Colloq.]

{To stick upon}, to dwell upon; not to forsake. ``If the matter be knotty, the mind must stop and buckle to it, and stick upon it with labor and thought.'' --Locke. [1913 Webster]