Crossword Genius

Companion at an informal lecture? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

chat

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'an informal lecture?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'companion at' is the wordplay.
'companion' becomes 'ch' (Companion of Honour).
'ch'+'at'='CHAT'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for chat that I've seen before include "Inconsequential conversation" , "Rabbit" , "Talk familiarly" , "Chew the fat" , "Communication" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app