Devolution
Pronunciation : Dev`o*lu"tion
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [LL. devolutio: cf. F. d?volution.]
Definition : 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.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913