1. Plural of khedive; rulers or governors of Egypt under Ottoman rule, particularly during the 19th century.
Usage: historical; often capitalized when referring to specific individuals

Examples

• The khedives of Egypt held significant power during the Ottoman period.
• Several khedives modernized Egypt's infrastructure in the 1800s.
• The khedives maintained diplomatic relations with European powers.
• Muhammad Ali and his descendants served as khedives of Egypt.
• The authority of the khedives gradually diminished as British influence increased.