'archpriest' originates from the combining element 'arch-' (from Greek 'arkhi-') meaning 'chief' and 'priest' (from Old English 'preost', ultimately from Latin 'presbyter' and Greek 'presbyteros').

'archpriest' developed via Medieval Latin 'archipresbyter' and Middle English forms such as 'archeprest' before becoming the modern English 'archpriest'.

Initially it conveyed the sense 'chief elder' (with 'presbyter' meaning elder); over time it became specialized to mean 'senior or chief priest' in ecclesiastical contexts.