Affair

From Middle English afere, affere, from Old French afaire, from a- + faire ("to do"); Latin ad- + facere to do. See fact, and confer ado.

Full definition of affair

(plural affairs)

That which is done or is to be done; matter; concern; business of any kind, commercial, professional, or public; — often in the plural.a difficult affair to manage
Any proceeding or action which it is wished to refer to or characterize vaguely.an affair of honor, i. e., a duelan affair of love, i. e., an intrigue.
(military) An action or engagement not of sufficient magnitude to be called a battle.
A material object (vaguely designated).He used a hook-shaped affair with a long handle to unlock the car.

1907, w, The Younger Set Chapter 1/2, The house was a big elaborate limestone affair, evidently new. Winter sunshine sparkled on lace-hung casement, on glass marquise, and the burnished bronze foliations of grille and door.