1 [with object] transfer or delegate (power) to a lower level, especially from central government to local or regional administration:measures to devolve power to a Scottish assembly (as adjective devolved)devolved and decentralized government
[no object] (devolve on/upon/to) (of duties or responsibility) pass to (a body or person at a lower level):his duties devolved on a comrade
[no object] (devolve on/upon/to) Law (of property) be transferred from one owner to (another), especially by inheritance:the estate had devolved to the heir
2 [no object] (devolve into) formal pass into (a different state, especially a worse one); degenerate:the Empire devolved into separate warring states
