1. a number of persons gathered together for conference, discussion of some subject, etc., and often seated at a round table.
2. the discussion, topic of discussion, or the conference itself.
3. ( cap. ) Arthurian Romance.
a. the table, made round to avoid quarrels as to precedence, about which King Arthur and his knights sat.
b. King Arthur and his knights.
Also, roundtable (for defs. 1, 2).
[ 1250-1300; ME ]