Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

            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.