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

Not to be Confused WithThe Best of Bill Withers: Lean on Me.

From The Daily Beast

When what Toynbee called a “creative minority” does not rise to the occasion of a great challenge, society withers and dies.

From The Daily Beast

Under such conditions, the genius of a nation withers and dies.

From The Daily Beast

On certain of the stems the fertile cone appears and the spores are ripened about June, after which the process withers.

From Project Gutenberg

It is sincerely to be hoped that a little later we shall have a continuation of the work from Mr. Withers' pen.

From Project Gutenberg

Dressed Monte's withers with liniment greatly reducing swelling from saddle-gall.

From Project Gutenberg

Mrs. Mallaby Deeley is doing good work in securing withers for horses.

From Project Gutenberg

Unlike his pony prototypes, his was a lengthy, arched neck, held high from narrowing withers and a short back.

From Project Gutenberg