withers

(noun) the highest part of the back at the base of the neck of various animals especially draft animals.

(verb) wither, as with a loss of moisture. Synonyms: shrivel, shrivel up, shrink, wither. Example: "The fruit dried and shriveled."

(verb) lose freshness, vigor, or vitality. Synonyms: fade, wither. Example: "Her bloom was fading."