| to introduce subtleties into or argue subtly about. |
| chat, to converse |
ebb (ɛb) ![]() | |
| —vb | |
| 1. | Compare flow (of tide water) to flow back or recede |
| 2. | to fall away or decline |
| —n | |
| 3. | a. the flowing back of the tide from high to low water or the period in which this takes place |
| b. Compare flood (as modifier): the ebb tide | |
| 4. | at a low ebb in a state or period of weakness, lack of vigour, or decline |
| [Old English ebba; related to Old Norse efja river bend, Gothic ibuks moving backwards, Old High German ippihōn to roll backwards, Middle Dutch ebbe ebb] | |