1580, probably from a dialectal survival of O.E. wiðer "against, contrary, opposite" (see with) + plural suffix. Possibly so called because the withers are the parts of the animal that oppose the load. Cf. Ger. Widerrist "withers," from wider "against" + Rist "wrist."
Main Entry: with·ers Pronunciation: 'with-&rz Function: noun plural 1: the ridge between the shoulder bones of a horse 2: a part corresponding to the withers in a quadruped other than a horse
[with
-erz] 