1. An Islamic state or territory ruled by a caliph (a religious and political leader); the office or dominion of a caliph.
Usage: Also spelled 'caliphate' (more common in modern English).; Historical and contemporary usage.

Examples

• The Umayyad kalifate was one of the largest empires in medieval history.
• The Ottoman kalifate lasted for over 600 years.
• Many Islamic scholars debated the legitimacy of the kalifate during the early centuries of Islam.
• The kalifate system combined religious authority with political governance.
• Historical records document the expansion of the kalifate across three continents.