soft-seater
n.— «The number of reading series in Washington has grown impressively high. They fall into two main types: soft-seaters and hard seaters. A soft-seater is typically held in a fancy auditorium with a lectern and microphone on the stage and, nearby, a small table that holds a drinking glass and water pitcher. The person who introduces the reader is all dressed up and appears to have painstakingly crafted his or her remarks.» —“Read ‘Em Like a Book” by Kevin McManus Washington Post Oct. 20, 1989. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
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