1. A political movement or doctrine advocating the transfer of powers and responsibilities from a central government to regional or local governments.
Usage: chiefly British; often used in the context of Scottish, Welsh, or Northern Irish autonomy
2. In biology, the theory that organisms evolve by a process of degeneration or simplification rather than progressive development.
Usage: archaic; historical biology term

Examples

• Devolutionism gained significant support in Scotland during the 1990s as voters sought greater control over local affairs.
• The political party championed devolutionism as a way to bring government closer to the people.
• Devolutionism in the UK has led to the establishment of separate parliaments in Scotland and Wales.
• Early devolutionism in biology has been largely superseded by modern evolutionary theory.
• Supporters of devolutionism argue that regional governments are more responsive to local needs than distant central authorities.