De*volve" (?), 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.
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.
© Webster 1913.
De*volve", 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.
His estate . . . devolved to Lord Somerville.
Johnson.
© Webster 1913.