'archbishopric' originates from a combination of Late Latin/Greek and Old English elements: from Late Latin 'archiepiscopus' (from Greek 'arkhi-' meaning 'chief' + 'episkopos' meaning 'overseer') together with Old English/Old Germanic 'rīċe' meaning 'realm'.

'archbishopric' developed via Medieval and Middle English forms (influenced by 'bishopric' + 'archbishop'), ultimately becoming the modern English word 'archbishopric'.

Initially it meant 'the realm or jurisdiction of an archbishop'; over time it has retained that sense and also commonly denotes 'the office or position of an archbishop'.