'arbitress' originates from English, specifically formed from the word 'arbiter' with the feminine suffix '-ess', where 'arbiter' comes from Latin 'arbiter' meaning 'witness, judge'.

'arbitress' developed in Modern English by adding the feminine suffix '-ess' to the noun 'arbiter' (from Latin 'arbiter', via Old French 'arbitre' and Middle English), producing a feminine form 'arbitress'.

Initially the root 'arbiter' meant 'witness' or 'judge' in Latin; over time the sense of 'one who settles disputes' remained, and 'arbitress' specifically designated a female holder of that role.