Emily Dickinson Lexicon

EBB, n. [Sax. ebbe, ebba; G. and D. ebbe; Dan. id.; Sw. ebb.]

1. The reflux of the tide; the return of tide-water toward the sea; opposed to flood or flowing.
2. Decline; decay; a falling from a better to a worse state; as, the ebb of life; the ebb of prosperity.