'episcopal' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'episkopos', where 'epi-' meant 'over' and 'skopos' meant 'watcher' or 'one who watches'.

'episkopos' changed into Latin 'episcopus' and Late Latin 'episcopalis', entered Old/Middle English in forms like 'episcopal' and eventually became the modern English 'episcopal'.

Initially, it meant 'overseer' (the person who watches over), but over time it evolved into meanings relating to 'a bishop or bishops' and to institutions or governance by bishops.