EBB (2)

ebb (2). Ebb, n. a flowing back, return, turn, waste, decay

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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.]] 1. 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. 2. 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.
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.