Perched during conversation (3)
I believe the answer is:
sat
'perched' is the definition.
(perch can mean to take a seat)
'during conversation' is the wordplay.
'during' indicates a hidden word.
'SAT' is hidden within 'conversation'.
(Other definitions for sat that I've seen before include "Perched" , "Was in session" , "Was sitting" , "Rested" , "Pulled up a 29 down" .)