rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: -s
English

-s

in a particular way or direction

Forms

  • -s
  • -es — An older fuller form of this English ending.

Origin

From the Old English ending used for possession and related relationships; some such forms developed into words describing time or manner.

Note

This historical ending is different from the ordinary plural -s, even though they now look alike.

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A handler rests a hand on the raised ridge between a horse's shoulder blades while fitting tack nearby, clearly marking that high shoulder area.
noun

withers

WITH-erz/ˈwɪðərz/

The ridge between a horse's shoulder blades.

Etymology
witherOld Englishagainst, opposite
+sEnglishin a particular way or direction

The name probably combines “against” with a plural ending. It is usually explained as naming the part of the animal that opposes the load, connecting the shoulder ridge with resistance to a burden.

Full entry

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