GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   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.]
   To roll onward or downward; to pass on.
   1913 Webster
   Every headlong stream
   Devolves its winding waters to the main.
   Akenside.
   
   1913 Webster
   Devolved his rounded periods.
   Tennyson.
   
   1913 Webster
   To transfer from one person to another; to deliver over; to hand down; -- generally with upon, sometimes with to or into.
   1913 Webster
   They devolved a considerable share of their power upon their favorite.
   Burke.
   
   1913 Webster
   They devolved their whole authority into the hands of the council of sixty.
   Addison.
   
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

2.       
   Devolve, 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.
   1913 Webster
   His estate . . . devolved to Lord Somerville.
   Johnson.
   
   1913 Webster