1. delegating of responsibilities: the delegation of responsibilities from a superior to a subordinate, deputy, or substitute
2. delegation of power: the transfer of power from a central to a subordinate level or organization, particularly from a central government to regional or local governments
3. inheritance of privileges: the transfer or inheritance of authority, rights, or property, e.g. from a monarch to his or her successors
4. biology Same as degeneration (sense 3)
[15th century. < late Latin devolution-< Latin devolvere (see devolve)]
