A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1951 (DOST Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Devolve, v. Also: divolve. [ME. (c 1440), L. dēvolvere.]
1. tr. To refer or transfer to another; to cause to fall upon, or come into the possession of, some one.1494 Acta Conc. 335/1.
Maister Thomas Hay allegiit that he haid devoluit the cause to the court of Rome 1533 Bell. Livy I. 61/12.
Thus was his appellacioun devoluit afore the pepill Ib. 73/11.
The kingdome of Romanis was devoluit (as the vse was fra the begynnyng) to the faderis 1609 Skene Reg. Maj. 28.
Gif ane heretage … is devolved and perteines to divers and sundrie heires 1592 Acts III. 589/2.
All and sindre … dignities, personages, … quhilk … wer laitlie divoluit in his hienes handis 1624 Conv. Burghs III. 165.
The haill tred in these plaices is lyk to be devoluit in the saids factouris handis 1635 Echt-Forbes Chart. 140.
To transferr, divolve, and establische in the persone of the said nobill Lorde sick richtis … as he hes for the samyn
2. To involve (a person) in debt.1533 Bell. Livy I. 166/24.
This man … was haldin in lang captiuite be his creditouris, for dett in quhilk he was deuoluit Ib. 173/2.
All personis quhilkis war afore devoluit in dett
