ˈwithə(r)z noun plural
Etymology: probably from obsolete English wither- (prefix), against, in resistance of, counter (from Old English, from wither, adverb, against) + English -s, n. plural suffix; from the withers being the parts which resist the pull in drawing a load
1. also wither
a. : the ridge between the shoulder bones of a horse — see horse illustration
b. : the part between the shoulder bones at the base of the neck in various animals (as the deer, ox, or sheep)
2. : feelings, sensibilities
our withers are unwrung — Shakespeare
try to wring your withers with a story of attempted suicide — Richard Blaker