Devolve

Definition of Devolve

De`volve´

v. t.	1.	To roll onward or downward; to pass on. [imp. & p. p. Devolved ; p. pr. & vb. n. Devolving.] 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.
v. i.	1.	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. His estate . . . devolved to Lord Somerville. - Johnson.

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