'hermitical' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'eremiticus', where the element 'erem-' (from Greek 'erēmos') meant 'desert, solitary'.

'hermitical' changed through Medieval and Middle English forms (from Latin 'eremiticus' and Old French 'ermite'/'hermite') into Middle English 'hermytical' and eventually became the modern English word 'hermitical'.

Initially it meant 'of or relating to a hermit' (i.e., connected with solitary desert-dwelling), and over time it has retained that basic sense while acquiring slightly broader literary uses meaning 'secluded' or 'reclusive'.