'apothecaryship' originates from English, specifically combining 'apothecary' and the suffix '-ship', where 'apothecary' ultimately comes from Latin 'apothecarius' (from Greek 'apothēkē') and '-ship' comes from Old English 'scipe' meaning 'state, condition, office'.

'apothecary' came into English via Latin 'apothecarius' and Old French forms (e.g. 'apotecaire'), then Middle English 'apothecarie'; the suffix '-ship' descends from Old English 'scipe'/'-ship' meaning 'state or condition', and the compound developed into the modern English 'apothecaryship'.

Initially related to a place for storing or dispensing medicines ('storehouse' sense from Greek), the term evolved to refer to the apothecary's office, role, or the profession/practice of dispensing medicines; the '-ship' element emphasizes the state, office, or skill.