Dev`o*lu"tion (?), n. [LL. devolutio: cf. F. d'evolution.]
1.
The act of rolling down.
[R.]
The devolution of earth down upon the valleys.
Woodward.
2.
Transference from one person to another; a passing or devolving upon a successor.
The devolution of the crown through a . . . channel known and conformable to old constitutional requisitions.
De Quincey.
© Webster 1913.