'archangelical' originates from Modern English, formed from the noun 'archangel' plus the adjective-forming suffix '-ical', where the prefix 'arch-' (from Greek 'arkhi-') meant 'chief' and 'angel' (from Greek 'angelos') meant 'messenger'.

'archangelical' developed from the noun 'archangel' (Old English 'earcengel' via Late Latin 'archangelus', ultimately from Greek 'arkhangelos') with the addition of the suffix '-ical' in Early Modern English to create an adjective meaning 'of or relating to an archangel'.

Initially, it meant 'of or relating to an archangel' in a literal, religious sense; over time it has also been used figuratively to mean 'exalted, heavenly, or supremely pure.'