ˌdevəˈlüshən also -vəlˈyü- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Medieval Latin devolution-, devolutio, from Late Latin, corruption, from Latin devolutus (past participle of devolvere ) + -ion-, -io -ion
1. : transference from one individual to another: as
a. : a passing or devolving (as of property, qualities, power, or rights) upon a successor
the devolution of the crown
b. : delegation or conferral (as of authority, responsibility, or tasks) especially to a subordinate
devolution of functions in industry
c. in ecclesiastical law : transfer of power and privilege in a particular case because of nonfeasance or misfeasance (as when the filling of a vacant benefice passes to the church because the patron failed to nominate or presented an unworthy candidate)
d. : the delegation or surrender of powers formerly held by a central government to regional or local authorities — compare decentralization
e. Scots law
(1) : the reference of a matter to an umpire by arbiters who disagree
(2) : the devolving of a purchase at auction upon the next highest bidder when the highest bidder fails to make good his bid
2.
a. : descent or passage through a series (as of stages in development)
b. : retrograde evolution : degeneration
• dev·o·lu·tion·ary -shəˌnerē adjective