2.nounA descent, especially one that passes through a series of revolutions, or by succession
3.nounThe transference of a right to a successor, or of a power from one body to another.
4.nounDegeneration (as opposed to evolution).
"It is quite disheartening to witness the devolution of our nation's political discourse over the past several years."
5.nounThe transfer of some powers, and the delegation of some functions, from a central sovereign government to local government; eg. from Westminster to Scottish parliament and Welsh assembly.
"The question of whether England should receive devolution like Scotland and Wales have has dogged British politics for years."