\Ebb\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
The European bunting.

\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. 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.
   ``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.

\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.

\Ebb\, v. t.
To cause to flow back. [Obs.] --Ford.

\Ebb\, a.
Receding; going out; falling; shallow; low.
      The water there is otherwise very low and ebb.
                                               --Holland.