| source : web1913 |
Contretemps \Con`tre*temps"\, n. [F., fr. contre (L. conta) +
temps time, fr. L. tempus.]
An unexpected and untoward accident; something inopportune or
embarrassing; a hitch.
In this unhappy contretemps. --De Quincey.
| source : wn |
contretemps
n : an awkward clash; "he tried to smooth over his contretemps
with the policeman"