What is "deipnosophist"

Deipnosophist \Deip*nos"o*phist\ (d[imac]p*n[o^]s"[-o]*f[i^]st), n. [Gr. deipnosofisth`s; dei^pnon a meal + sofisth`s a wise man, sophist.] One of an ancient sect of philosophers, who cultivated learned conversation at meals.

"gourmand," 1650s, from Greek deipnosophistes "one learned in the mysteries of the kitchen," from deipnon "chief meal, dinner" (which is of unknown origin) + sophistes "master of a craft" (see sophist). the word has come down thanks to "Deipnosophistai," 3c. work on gastronomy by Athenaeus.

n. A master of the art of dining, particularly learned conversation in the manner of Athenaeus's characters.

n. someone skilled at across-the-table chit chat