In its earliest uses in the 15th century, devolve was about literally rolling down: it meant "to roll onward or downward."

devolve sth to sb/sth Spending under these budget items must be devolved to local offices. The constitutional changes to devolve power to local authorities will go ahead.

DEVOLVE definition: to transfer or delegate (a duty, responsibility, etc.) to or upon another; pass on. See examples of devolve used in a sentence.

Such a coalition or pact will no doubt be based upon a public agreement, as has been the case with devolved administrations in Scotland.

1. To pass on or delegate to another: The senator devolved the duties of office upon a group of aides. 2. Archaic To cause to roll onward or downward.

When things devolve, they deteriorate, degenerate, fall apart, go to the dogs, and generally end up worse. When a classroom gets loud and rowdy, a teacher might say the class has devolved. There is …

devolved definition: transferred or passed down to a lower level. Check meanings, examples, usage tips, pronunciation, domains, related words.

Definition of devolve verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Upon his death, the estate devolved to/on/upon a distant cousin. [=a distant cousin inherited the estate]

There are 18 meanings listed in OED's entry for the verb devolve, nine of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. How common is the verb …