Ebb

n. [A-S. ebba, ebbe, ep-flod, Fries. ebba, D. eb, ebbe, Dan. & Ger. ebbe, Sw. ebb, probably allied to Ger. eben, Eng. even.]

1. The reflux of the tide; the return of tide-water toward the sea;—opposed to flood.
2. The state or time of passing away; a falling from a better to a worse state; decline; decay. “Our ebb of life.” Roscommon.

v. i. [imp. & p. p. EBBED; p. pr. & vb. n. EBBING.] [A-S. ebbian, D. & Ger. ebben, M. H. Ger. eppen, O. H. Ger. eppan, ebban, Dan. ebbe. See supra.]

1. To flow back; to return, as the water of a tide toward the ocean;—opposed to flow.
2. To return or fall back from a better to a worse state; to decline; to decay. “The hours of life ebb fast.” Blackmore.

Syn.—To recede; retire; decay; decrease; sink; lower.