'authoress' originates from English, formed by adding the feminine suffix '-ess' to 'author'. The suffix '-ess' comes via Old French '-esse' ultimately from Latin feminine formations (e.g. '-issa').

'authoress' was created in Modern English (recorded from the 18th century) by attaching '-ess' to 'author'. The base 'author' entered English from Old French 'autor' (or 'auteur') and earlier from Latin 'auctor' meaning 'originator, promoter'.

Initially it simply designated a female author. Over time it came to be seen as a marked or diminutive feminine form and is now largely replaced by the gender-neutral 'author'; in many contexts 'authoress' is considered archaic or potentially sexist.