smatter

smatter (v.):

I. To have a superficial knowledge: v. TO DABBLE (II.).

II. To talk superficially or ignorantly: v. TO BABBLE.

smatter, smattering (subs.): expr. by periphr.: a s. of knowledge, cognitio manca atque inchoata (based on Cic. Off. 1, 43, 153): *levis artis alicujus scientia. Phr.: having a s. of philosophy, odoratus philosophiam, Tac. Or. 19, med.: to have a s. of, aliquid primoribus labris attingere, Cic. de Or. 1, 19, 87: studies of which it is enough to have a s., studia quibus perfundi satis est, Sen. Ep. 36, post init.