withers

American  

[with-erz] / ˈwɪð ərz /

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.

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idioms

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

   The long involved lawsuit is wringing his withers.

withers British  

/ ˈwɪðəz /

plural noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of withers

First recorded in 1535–45; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

Their results show that the grass withers due to a lack of water inside the fairy circle.

From Science Daily • Mar. 19, 2024

Something like a leaf lies here within me; / it wavers almost not at all, / and there is no light to see it by / that it withers upon a black field.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 29, 2024

She cited a Zen koan that she’s been thinking about lately: How is it when the tree withers and the leaves fall?

From New York Times • Mar. 9, 2023

A good 80% of the stadium boos. 18k people. and he withers.

From Salon • Dec. 12, 2022

Then I got me a second rope and tied it tight around his middle, just back of his withers.

From "Old Yeller" by Fred Gipson