'Mrs.' originates from the word 'Mistress', which was used in the 16th century to denote a woman with authority or control, often a married woman.

'Mistress' was abbreviated to 'Mrs.' in the 17th century, and it eventually became a standard title for married women.

Initially, it meant 'a woman with authority or control', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a title for a married woman'.