What does "affair" mean?

Affair: Any proceeding or action which it is wished to refer to or characterize vaguely; as, an affair of honor, i. e., a duel; an affair of love, i. e., an intrigue.

Additional senses

  1. 2.(Mil.) An action or engagement not of sufficient magnitude to be called a battle.
  2. 3.Action; endeavor. [Obs.] And with his best affair Obeyed the pleasure of the Sun. Chapman.
  3. 4.A material object (vaguely designated). A certain affair of fine red cloth much worn and faded. Hawthorne.

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