Ebb \Ebb\, n. (Zo["o]l.) The European bunting.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Ebb \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! --Shelley.

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. --Dryden.

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. --A. T. Hadley.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

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. --Pope.

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. --Blackmore.

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

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

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

--Ford.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

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

The water there is otherwise very low and ebb. --Holland.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)