OXFORD DICTIONARY
devolve, v.
1 (foll. by on, upon, etc.) a tr. pass (work or duties) to (a deputy etc.). b intr. (of work or duties) pass to (a deputy etc.).
2 intr. (foll. by on, to, upon) Law (of property etc.) descend or fall by succession to.
devolvement n.
ME f. L devolvere devolut- (as DE-, volvere roll)
THESAURUS
devolve
accredit, assign, authorize, change hands, change ownership, charge, charter, commission, commit, consign, delegate, depute, deputize, descend, detach, detail, devolute,
devolve upon, empower, entrust, give in charge, license, mission, pass on, post, send out, succeed, transfer, warrant
ROGET THESAURUS
devolve
Transfer
VB
transfer, convey, alienate, alien, assign, grant, consign, make over, hand over, pass, hand, transmit, negotiate, hand down, exchange, change hands, change hands from one to another,
devolve, succeed, come into possession, abalienate, disinherit, dispossess, substitute.