devolved

1 definition found

devolved - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Devolve \De*volve"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Devolved; p. pr. &
     vb. n. Devolving.] [L. 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.
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              Every headlong stream
              Devolves its winding waters to the main. --Akenside.
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              Devolved his rounded periods.         --Tennyson.
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     2. To transfer from one person to another; to deliver over;
        to hand down; -- generally with upon, sometimes with to or
        into.
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              They devolved a considerable share of their power
              upon their favorite.                  --Burke.
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              They devolved their whole authority into the hands
              of the council of sixty.              --Addison.
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