Devolve \De*volve"\, 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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