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Webster 1913 Edition


Devolution

Devˊo-lu′tion

,
Noun.
[LL.
devolutio
: cf. F.
dévolution
.]
1.
The act of rolling down.
[R.]
The
devolution
of earth down upon the valleys.
Woodward.
2.
Transference from one person to another; a passing or devolving upon a successor.
The
devolution
of the crown through a . . . channel known and conformable to old constitutional requisitions.
De Quincey.

Webster 1828 Edition


Devolution

DEVOLUTION

,
Noun.
[L.]
1.
The act of rolling down; as the devolution of earth into a valley.
2.
Removal from one person to another; a passing or falling upon a successor.

Definition 2024


devolution

devolution

See also: dévolution

English

Noun

devolution (plural devolutions)

  1. A rolling down.
  2. A descent, especially one that passes through a series of revolutions, or by succession
  3. The transference of a right to a successor, or of a power from one body to another.
  4. (pejorative) Degeneration (as opposed to evolution).
  5. (Britain) The transfer of some powers, and the delegation of some functions, from a central sovereign government to local government; eg. from Westminster to Scottish parliament and Welsh assembly.

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