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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
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[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
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[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
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2 [no object] (devolve into) formal pass into (a different state, especially a worse one); degenerate: the Empire devolved into separate warring states
