GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 5 definitions

1.       
   Ebb , n. (Zoöl.) The European bunting.
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2.       
   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.]
   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.
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   Thou shoreless flood which in thy ebb and flow
   Claspest the limits of morality!
   Shelley.
   
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   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.
   
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   Painting was then at its lowest ebb.
   Dryden.
   
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   Ebb and flow, the alternate ebb and flood of the tide; often used figuratively.
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   This alternation between unhealthy activity and depression, this ebb and flow of the industrial.
   A. T. Hadley.
   
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3.       
   Ebb , v. i. [imp. & p. p. Ebbed ; p. pr. & vb. n. Ebbing.] [AS. ebbian; akin to D. & G. ebben, Dan. ebbe. See 2d Ebb.]
   To flow back; to return, as the water of a tide toward the ocean; -- opposed to flow.
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   That Power who bids the ocean ebb and flow.
   Pope.
   
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   To return or fall back from a better to a worse state; to decline; to decay; to recede.
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   The hours of life ebb fast.
   Blackmore.
   Syn. -- To recede; retire; withdraw; decay; decrease; wane; sink; lower.
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4.       
   Ebb, v. t. To cause to flow back. [Obs.]
   Ford.
   
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5.       
   Ebb, a. Receding; going out; falling; shallow; low.
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   The water there is otherwise very low and ebb.
   Holland.
   
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