'mastership' originates from English, specifically formed from the noun 'master' and the suffix '-ship'. 'Master' ultimately comes from Latin, specifically the word 'magister', where 'magister' meant 'teacher' or 'chief'. The suffix '-ship' originates from Old English 'scipe' (also written 'scip'), where it meant 'state' or 'condition'.

'mastership' changed from Middle English forms such as 'maistreschip' or 'maistreship' (influenced by Old French 'maistre'/'maistre'), and eventually became the modern English word 'mastership'.

Initially it referred chiefly to the office, rank, or position of a master ('the position of being a master'), but over time it also came to be used to indicate skill or proficiency ('mastery').