'archeress' originates from English, formed by adding the feminine suffix '-ess' to the noun 'archer'. The noun 'archer' ultimately comes from Old French 'archier' (from Latin 'arcus'), where 'arcus' meant 'bow'.

'archer' changed from Old French 'archier' (12th century) derived from Latin 'arcus' meaning 'bow', and the feminine form 'archeress' was created in English by attaching the suffix '-ess' (from Old French '-esse', ultimately from Latin '-issa').

Initially it referred simply to a person who used a bow; 'archeress' specifically indicated a female archer. The basic meaning ('female bow-user') has remained, though the word is now rare or literary.