GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found one definition

1.       
   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.
   1913 Webster
   Thou shoreless flood which in thy ebb and flow
   Claspest the limits of morality!
   Shelley.
   
   1913 Webster
   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.
   
   1913 Webster
   Painting was then at its lowest ebb.
   Dryden.
   
   1913 Webster
   Ebb and flow, the alternate ebb and flood of the tide; often used figuratively.
   1913 Webster
   This alternation between unhealthy activity and depression, this ebb and flow of the industrial.
   A. T. Hadley.
   
   1913 Webster