devolution
NounWordNet 3.0
Noun (2)
- the process of declining from a higher to a lower level of effective power or vitality or essential qualitySynonyms: degeneration
- the delegation of authority (especially from a central to a regional government)Synonyms: devolvement
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onerousadjective
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Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Dev′o·lu′tion noun
Origin: LL. devolutio: cf. F. dévolution.
1. The act of rolling down. rare
The devolution of earth down upon the valleys.— John 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.— Thomas DeQuincey
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54