De·volve v. t. [imp. & p. p. Devolved p. pr. & vb. n. Devolving.]
1. To roll onward or downward; to pass on.
Every headlong stream
Devolves its winding waters to the main. --Akenside.
Devolved his rounded periods. --Tennyson.
2. To transfer from one person to another; to deliver over; to hand down; -- generally with upon, sometimes with to or into.
They devolved a considerable share of their power upon their favorite. --Burke.
They devolved their whole authority into the hands of the council of sixty. --Addison.