מָשָׁל mâshâl (H4912)

properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)

1) proverb, parable 1a) proverb, proverbial saying, aphorism 1b) byword 1c) similitude, parable 1d) poem 1e) sentences of ethical wisdom, ethical maxims

apparently from מָשַׁל (H4910) in some original sense of superiority in mental action;