Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SU-PER-FI'CIAL, a. [It. superficiale; Sp. superficial; Fr. superficiel; from superficies.]

1. Being on the surface; not penetrating the substance of a thing; as, a superficial color; a superficial covering.
2. Composing the surface or exterior part; as, soil constitutes the superficial part of the earth.
3. Shallow; contrived to cover something. This superficial tale / Is but a preface to her worthy praise. – Shak.
4. Shallow; not deep or profound; reaching or comprehending only what is obvious or apparent; as, a superficial scholar; superficial knowledge. – Dryden.