Crossword Genius

Decline English books (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ebb

'decline' is the definition.
(I know that ebb is a type of decline)

'english books' is the wordplay.
'english' becomes 'e' (abbreviation).
'books' becomes 'bb' (two abbreviations for book).
'e'+'bb'='EBB'

(Other definitions for ebb that I've seen before include "Outward flow of the tide" , "Not to wax" , "Initially Mrs Browning's" , "(Water) recede" , "Drain away; decline" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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