This word is acceptable for play in the UK dictionary that is being used in the following games:

• Lexulous
• Wordscraper
• Wordosaur

n. one of an ancient group of philosophers, who engaged in learned dialogue at meals

n. a person skilled at informal, across-the-table small talk

n. One of an ancient sect of philosophers, who cultivated learned conversation at meals.

n. One who converses learnedly at dinner: in allusion to the title (see the etymology) of a celebrated work of Athenæus, in which a number of learned men are represented as at dinner discoursing on literature and matters of the table.

n. someone skilled at informal chitchat

"The word deipnosophist is derived from Greek elements meaning 'meal' and 'wise man,' so we can assume it means someone wise in mealtime conversation...it could also just mean a gastronome, but if you spout it at a dinner party, I guarantee no one will ask you to which meaning you refer... everyone else will silently be trying to figure out if you've insulted them or not."

conversationist    schmoozer    conversationalist