devolve: meaning and definitions

To pass on or delegate to another: The senator devolved the duties of office upon a group of aides.

Archaic To cause to roll onward or downward.

To be passed on or transferred to another: The burden of proof devolved upon the defendant. The estate devolved to an unlikely heir.

To degenerate or deteriorate gradually: After several hours the discussion had devolved into a shouting match.

Archaic To roll onward or downward.