Hebrew word
mâshâl
maw-shawl'
מָשָׁל
What it means
properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature
properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)
Where it comes from
apparently from mâshal (מָשַׁל) in some original sense of superiority in mental action