Devolve /(?)/

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.

   Devolved his rounded periods.

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.

   They devolved their whole authority into the hands of the council of sixty.

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.