'archpresbyterate' originates from the combining form 'arch-' (from Greek 'arkhē' meaning 'chief') + 'presbyterate' (from Medieval Latin 'presbyteratus', from Greek 'presbyteros' meaning 'elder').

'archpresbyterate' was formed in English by combining 'arch-' with 'presbyterate'; 'presbyterate' entered English via Medieval Latin 'presbyteratus' from Greek 'presbyteros' ('elder').

Initially it referred generally to the office or authority of elders/priests; over time it has come to denote specifically the office or jurisdiction of an archpresbyter (a chief presbyter).