devolve

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devolve

v. when property is automatically transferred from one party to another by operation of law, without any act required of either past or present owner. The most common example is passing of title to the natural heir of a person upon his death. 2) passing of authority to a vice president on death of a president. 3) to give a territory sovereign rights to run itself.

devolve

verb be handed down to, be handed over, be transferred, bequeath, cause to pass to another, cede, change from one to another, change ownership, confer ownership, convey, deferre, delegate upon another, deliver over to a successor, descend by inheritance, descend upon, fall by inheritance, fall by succession, give, grant, interchange, invest with, leave to, make over, pass to, permittere, put in possession, sign away, substitute, trade, transfer, transfer ownership, transfer to, transmit, turn over
Associated concepts: devolution of a lease

See also: advance, alienate, assign, cede, convey, detail, entrust, pass, transfer

References in classic literature ?

Hor Vastus and Kantos Kan, with my other noble lieutenants, I left with Carthoris at Helium, that he might have the benefit of their wisdom, bravery, and loyalty in the performance of the arduous duties which had devolved upon him.

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Such time as he could find from the many duties which had devolved upon him in the matter of obtaining and outfitting the schooner, and signing her two mates and crew of fifteen, had been spent with his employer's daughter.

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For though the old Baronet survived many months, he never recovered the use of his intellect or his speech completely, and the government of the estate devolved upon his elder son.

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Maylie was every ready and collected: performing all the duties which had devolved upon her, steadily, and, to all external appearances, even cheerfully.

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Besides, there were Dad's plans, and I felt that it devolved upon me to carry them out.

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So conscious was the manager of the responsibility which devolved upon him in consequence of the great interests at stake that safes of the very latest construction have been employed, and an armed watchman has been left day and night in the building.

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It so happened that, next day, both Anna Thedorovna and ourselves were in want of sundry articles; and since my mother was unwell and Anna lazy, the execution of the commissions devolved upon me, and I set forth with Matrena.

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With this exception the summer schools indicated through continued the season in a prosperous state, enjoying the labours of the teachers distinguished for their literacy qualifications, their aptness to teach, their ability to govern and their untiring industry and fidelity in the discharge of the responsible duties which devolved upon them.