Withers \With"ers\, n. pl. [Properly, the parts which resist the pull or strain in drawing a load; fr. OE. wither resistance, AS. wi[eth]re, fr. wi[eth]er against; akin to G. widerrist withers. See With, prep.]

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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)