Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Devolve

Devolve , transitive verb

[Latin 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

Devolve , intransitive verb

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.
His estate... devolved to Lord Somerville. — Johnson