declining
 (a.)傾斜的,衰退中的
 De·cline v. i. [imp. & p. p. Declined p. pr. & vb. n. Declining.]
 1. To bend, or lean downward; to take a downward direction; to bend over or hang down, as from weakness, weariness, despondency, etc.; to condescend. “With declining head.”
    He . . . would decline even to the lowest of his family.   --Lady Hutchinson.
 Disdaining to decline,
 Slowly he falls, amidst triumphant cries.   --Byron.
    The ground at length became broken and declined rapidly.   --Sir W. Scott.
 2. To tend or draw towards a close, decay, or extinction; to tend to a less perfect state; to become diminished or impaired; to fail; to sink; to diminish; to lessen; as, the day declines; virtue declines; religion declines; business declines.
 That empire must decline
 Whose chief support and sinews are of coin.   --Waller.
 And presume to know . . .
 Who thrives, and who declines.   --Shak.
 3. To turn or bend aside; to deviate; to stray; to withdraw; as, a line that declines from straightness; conduct that declines from sound morals.
    Yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.   --Ps. cxix. 157.
 4. To turn away; to shun; to refuse; -- the opposite of accept or consent; as, he declined, upon principle.