smatterer

[Eng. smatter, v.; -er.] One who has only a smattering or slight superficial knowledge of any subject. "They are not therefore men of sound learning for the most, but smatterers."-Cranmer: Letter unto Hooker. smat-ter-ing, s. [SMATTER, v .] A slight superficial knowledge. "He had there acquired a smattering of letters."Macaulay: Hist . Eng ., ch. xiii. smëar, *smere, *smerien, *smirien, v . t . [A.S. smerien, smyrian , from smeru = fat; cogn. with Dut. smeren = to grease, from smeer = fat; Icel. smyrja to anoint, from smjör , smör =grease; Dan. smöre, from smör =grease; Sw.smörja , from smör; Ger. schmieren, from schmeer; Goth smairthr = fatne ; smarna =dung; Gr. myron =an unguent.] 1. To overspread with any substance viscous, unctuous, or adhesive; to besmear, to daub. 2. To soil, to stain, to contaminate, to pollute. "My glory smeared in dust and blood." Shakesp.: Henry VI., Pt . III ., v. 2. smëar, *smere, *smair, s. [A. S. smeru =fat.] [SMEAR, V.] *1. Fat, grease; a fat, oily substance; ointment, fatne . 2. A spot made as if with some unctuous substance; a stain, a blot, a blotch, a patch.