Definition of Pahlavi
the name of two shahs of Iran. Reza (1878–1944), ruled 1925–41; born Reza Khan. An army officer, he took control of the Persian government after a coup in 1921. He was elected shah in 1925 but abdicated following the occupation of Iran by British and Soviet forces. Muhammad Reza (1919–80), ruled 1941–79; son of Reza Pahlavi; also known as Reza Shah. Opposition to his regime culminated in the Islamic revolution of 1979 under Ayatollah Khomeini; Reza Shah was forced into exile and died in Egypt.
