withers Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the highest part of the back at the base of the neck of various animals especially draft animals
  2. verb wither, as with a loss of moisture
    wither; shrivel; shrink; shrivel up.
    • The fruit dried and shriveled
  3. verb lose freshness, vigor, or vitality
    wither; fade.
    • Her bloom was fading

WordNet

With"ers noun plural
Etymology
Properly, the parts which resist the pull or strain in drawing a load; fr. OE. wither resistance, AS. withre, fr. wither against; akin to G. widerrist withers. See With, prep.
Definitions
  1. The ridge between the shoulder bones of a horse, at the base of the neck. See Illust. of Horse.
    Let the galled jade wince; our withers are unwrung. Shak.

Webster 1913