What term describes a small, superficial amount of knowledge?

The term that best describes a small, superficial amount of knowledge is "smattering." This word conveys the idea of having just a slight or incomplete understanding of a subject, suggesting that the knowledge is not deep or comprehensive. It implies a casual or minimal familiarity with a topic rather than in-depth expertise.

In contrast, the other terms do not relate to knowledge. "Rancour" refers to bitterness or resentment, typically in a long-standing situation. "Devout" describes a person who is deeply committed to their religious beliefs, while "pander" means to cater to or exploit someone's weaknesses, desires, or vices. These definitions indicate that they focus on emotional or ethical aspects rather than on the concept of having a limited amount of knowledge. Thus, "smattering" is the most appropriate choice for describing superficial knowledge.