Definition

1. Noun:
   • The highest part of the back of a quadruped animal, located at the base of the neck and above the shoulders: This term specifically refers to the ridge between the shoulder blades of animals like horses, cattle, or dogs. It is a crucial anatomical point for measuring an animal's height.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The veterinarian measured the horse's height at the withers.
  • A well-fitted saddle should not put pressure on the horse's withers.

Advanced Usage

• "My withers are unwrung": An idiom meaning "I am not affected or distressed by the accusation or criticism." This is a literary or archaic expression, originating from Shakespeare's , where "wring" means to twist or cause pain. It figuratively states that one's "withers" (a sensitive spot) have not been twisted, implying emotional unharmed.
  • Despite the harsh review, the author claimed his withers were unwrung.

Variants and Related Words

• Wither (verb): To become dry and shriveled; to lose vitality or force. (Note: This is a distinct word from "withers," though they share an etymological root related to dryness or shrinking).
  • The plants began to wither in the intense heat.

Synonyms

• Shoulder crest (specifically for horses).
• Ridge of the shoulders.

Related Phrases

• Height at the withers: The standard method for measuring the height of horses and some other animals.
  • The pony stood 14 hands high at the withers.

Related Idioms

• "My withers are unwrung": As detailed in the Advanced Usage section, this is the primary idiom associated with the word.

Noun

1. the highest part of the back at the base of the neck of various animals especially draft animals