Ebb

Ebb (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Ebbed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Ebbing.] [AS. ebbian; akin to D. & G. ebben, Dan. ebbe. See 2d Ebb.] 1. To flow back; to return, as the water of a tide toward the ocean; -- opposed to flow.

That Power who bids the ocean ebb and flow.

2. To return or fall back from a better to a worse state; to decline; to decay; to recede.

The hours of life ebb fast.

Syn. -- To recede; retire; withdraw; decay; decrease; wane; sink; lower.

Ebb, v. t. To cause to flow back. [Obs.] Ford.

Ebb, a. Receding; going out; falling; shallow; low.

The water there is otherwise very low and ebb.

Ebb (ĕb), n. (Zoöl.) The European bunting.

Ebb, n. [AS. ebba; akin to Fries. ebba, D. eb, ebbe, Dan. & G. ebbe, Sw. ebb, cf. Goth. ibuks backward; prob. akin to E. even.] 1. The reflux or flowing back of the tide; the return of the tidal wave toward the sea; -- opposed to flood; as, the boats will go out on the ebb.

Thou shoreless flood which in thy ebb and flow
Claspest the limits of morality!

2. The state or time of passing away; a falling from a better to a worse state; low state or condition; decline; decay. "Our ebb of life." Roscommon.

Painting was then at its lowest ebb.

Ebb and flow, the alternate ebb and flood of the tide; often used figuratively.

This alternation between unhealthy activity and depression, this ebb and flow of the industrial.