— Mahdism /mah"diz euhm/ , n. — Mahdist , n. , adj.
/mah"dee/ , n. , pl. Mahdis .
1. the Muslim messiah, an expected spiritual and temporal ruler destined to establish a reign of righteousness throughout the world.
2. any of various claimants to this role, esp. Muhammad Ahmed, who established an independent government in the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan that lasted until 1898.
[ 1790-1800; mahdiy he who is guided ]