'anti-episcopal' originates from Greek and Late Latin elements: the prefix 'anti' (Greek 'anti') meaning 'against', and 'episcopal' from Late Latin 'episcopus' (from Greek 'episkopos'), where 'epi-' meant 'over' and 'skopos' meant 'watcher' or 'overseer'.

'anti-episcopal' developed via Medieval and Early Modern English formations combining the prefix 'anti-' with 'episcopal' (from Latin/Greek 'episcopus'/'episkopos'), appearing in English texts as 'anti-episcopal' and stabilizing into the modern compound form.

Initially it meant 'against bishops' or 'against episcopal government' and this core meaning has remained largely unchanged, though its use has varied from specific theological disputes to broader political or institutional opposition.