Definitions of devolve

1. To roll down; to pass from one to another; to fall by succession.

2. To roll onward or downward; to pass on.

3. To transfer from one person to another; to deliver over; to hand down; - generally with upon, sometimes with to or into.

4. To hand on or down; to pass or transfer from one to another; transmit; as, to devolve a duty upon another.

5. To roll down: to hand down: to deliver over.

6. 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.

7. To be handed down or over; to be transferred or transmitted; as, the duty devolved upon him.

8. To roll down: to fall or pass over.

9. To pass to; fall.

10. To pass over from one person to another, as by succession; to deliver over to a successor; to fall upon or come to as by right.