1.
If you ~ something such as knowledge, a possession, or a skill, you give or leave it to people who belong to a younger generation.
The idea of handing down his knowledge from generation to generation is important to McLean.
= pass on
PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P
2.
When a particular decision is handed down by someone in authority, it is given by them. (JOURNALISM)
Tougher sentences are being handed down these days...
She is expected soon to ~ a ruling.
PHRASAL VERB: be V-ed P, V P n (not pron), also V n P