the surrender of functions and powers to regional or local authorities by a central government
Devolution is literally a handing down from a superior to an inferior. In politics, it may be defined as consisting of three elements: the transfer to a subordinate body; on a geographical basis; of functions exercised by the legislature or by ministers. Devolution offers a way of transferring power without undermining the basis of the unitary state — Professor Vernon Bogdanor
delegation or conferral to a subordinate
the passage of rights, property, etc to a successor
devolutionary adj
devolutionist noun
[Latin devolution-, devolutio, from devolvere: see devolve]