'abbeystede' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'abbodstōw,' where 'abbod' meant 'abbot' and 'stōw' meant 'place.'

'abbodstōw' changed from Old English to 'abbeystede' in Middle English, eventually becoming the modern English word 'abbeystede'.

Initially, it meant 'a place of an abbot,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a place where an abbey is situated or was once situated.'