'archpriesthood' is formed from the prefix 'arch-' (from Greek 'archi-' meaning 'chief, principal'), the word 'priest' (from Old English 'preost', via Latin 'presbyter' and Greek 'presbyteros'), and the suffix '-hood' (from Old English 'hād' meaning 'state or condition').

'archpriesthood' developed from Middle English formations combining 'arch-' + 'priest' (as in 'archpriest') with the Old English-derived suffix '-hood' to denote office or condition; the element 'priest' itself comes from Old English 'preost' via Latin 'presbyter(us)' and Greek 'presbyteros'.

Initially it denoted the condition or office of being a chief or senior priest; over time this basic meaning has remained largely unchanged, continuing to mean the office, dignity, or jurisdiction of an archpriest.