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)