Devolve (?), 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.
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Every headlong stream
Devolves its winding waters to the main. Akenside.
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Devolved his rounded periods. Tennyson.
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2. To transfer from one person to another; to deliver over; to hand down; -- generally with upon, sometimes with to or into.
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They devolved a considerable share of their power upon their favorite. Burke.
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They devolved their whole authority into the hands of the council of sixty. Addison.
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