v. t. [ L. devolutus, p. p. of devolvere. See Devolve. ] To devolve. [ Obs. ] Foxe. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ LL. devolutio: cf. F. dévolution. ] 1. The act of rolling down. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

The devolution of earth down upon the valleys. Woodward. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Transference from one person to another; a passing or devolving upon a successor. [ 1913 Webster ]

The devolution of the crown through a . . . channel known and conformable to old constitutional requisitions. De Quincey. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Devolved p. pr. & vb. n. Devolving. ] [ L. devolvere, devolutum, to roll down; de + volvere to roll down; de + volvere to roll. See Voluble. ] 1. To roll onward or downward; to pass on. [ 1913 Webster ]

Every headlong stream
Devolves its winding waters to the main. Akenside. [ 1913 Webster ]

Devolved his rounded periods. Tennyson. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To transfer from one person to another; to deliver over; to hand down; -- generally with upon, sometimes with to or into. [ 1913 Webster ]

They devolved a considerable share of their power upon their favorite. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]

They devolved their whole authority into the hands of the council of sixty. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To pass by transmission or succession; to be handed over or down; -- generally with on or upon, sometimes with to or into; as, after the general fell, the command devolved upon (or on) the next officer in rank. [ 1913 Webster ]

His estate . . . devolved to Lord Somerville. Johnson. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The act or process of devolving;; devolution. [ 1913 Webster ]