Can channel smite be used in a combat maneuver?

[Nicodemos]

I suppose the real question is whether or not a combat maneuver is considered a melee attack, since the channel smite feat says it can be used as a swift action before a melee attack - for example, using a channel smite while performing a trip with a trip weapon.

[Grey_Mage]

It would be resolved by the specific action economy of the maneuver.

Generally speaking, most say "in place of a melee attack" or as "a standard action", so no (although corner cases may exist).

[RumpinRufus]

Please FAQ this post if you want to see clarification on this issue. The rules are not clear as "melee attack" is not currently a defined term in the game.