De·volve v. t. [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.   --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.