noun
withers
WIHTH-uhz
noun
1
The ridge between a four-legged animal's shoulder blades, usually the tallest part of its back and used to measure its height.
"The horse measured fifteen hands at the withers."
How to Use Withers
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe high point of an animal's (usually a horse's) back, between the shoulders.
Common pairings
measure at the withers
the horse's withers
Word Forms
wither singular
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The horse measured fifteen hands at the _____.
Etymology
From an old dialect word wither meaning "against," since this part of a horse pushes against the weight of a harness or load.