How did the term "bachelor's degree" originate?

The word bachelor is derived from the Medieval Latin baccalarius and originally referred to someone of low rank in the feudal hierarchy. Over time, the meaning was extended to denote persons of subordinate position in other systems, including those holding a preliminary degree from a college or university. This enabled them to proceed to the degree of master, which then entitled them to teach at the university. A bachelor’s degree signifies that the holder is not yet a full member of the university.