'priory' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'priorie,' which came from Old French 'prioré,' derived from Medieval Latin 'prioria,' meaning 'monastery governed by a prior.'

'prioria' transformed into the Old French word 'prioré,' and eventually became the modern English word 'priory' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a place governed by a prior,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.