Ebb (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p.Ebbed (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Ebbing.] [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.
Syn. — To recede; retire; withdraw; decay; decrease; wane; sink; lower.