ebbn. (Zol.) The European bunting.()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.(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.)v. i.[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.)()v. t. To cause to flow back.(Ford.)a. Receding; going out; falling; shallow; low.()The water there is otherwise very low and ebb. (Holland.)