withers

[ with-erz ]

noun

, (used with a plural verb)

1. the highest part of the back at the base of the neck of a horse, cow, sheep, etc.

withers

/ ˈwɪðəz /

plural noun

1. the highest part of the back of a horse, behind the neck between the shoulders

Word History and Origins

Origin of withers¹

First recorded in 1535–45; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of withers¹

C16: short for widersones, from wider with + -sones, perhaps variant of sinew ; related to German Widerrist, Old English withre resistance

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. wring one's withers, to cause one anxiety or trouble:

   The long involved lawsuit is wringing his withers.

Example Sentences

“I am absolutely heartbroken that I had to cancel because I truly appreciate all the brilliant hard work you all do everyday while the profession withers around you,” said Stephanie Stanley of Tarzana, who once worked as a journalist in New Orleans.

From Los Angeles Times

He encouraged the “WordPress community to vote with your wallet,” and not give it to a company that’s “going to frack every bit of value out of it until it withers?”

From Slate

In addition to Marion Cotillard and Noemi Merlant, who play Lee’s French confidantes, Andrea Riseborough co-stars as Audrey Withers, Lee’s editor and champion at Vogue, while Andy Samberg, in his first purely dramatic role, plays Davy Scherman, an affable New York photographer who becomes Lee’s professional partner as they report from war zones in France and Germany.

From Los Angeles Times

“Now we speak often in our family and friendship circles about our experience of the Woman Life Freedom movement. It’s like the seeds of a flower. Even if a flower withers or dries out, its seeds go on and flower elsewhere,” says Alef.

From BBC

“I’m worried and concerned,” said Catherine Withers who has lived at Yew Tree Farm all her life.

From BBC