'archonate' originates from Greek, ultimately from the word 'archōn' (ἀρχών), where 'archōn' meant 'ruler' and the Latin/English suffix '-ate' (via Medieval/Neo-Latin formation) signified 'office or rank.'

'archonate' developed from Greek 'archōn' through Medieval Latin formations such as 'archonatus' (a formation meaning 'the office of an archon') and was carried into English usage as 'archonate' to denote that office or term.

Initially it referred broadly to 'rule' or 'the state of being an archon,' but over time it narrowed to mean specifically the 'office, jurisdiction, or term held by an archon.'