affair

ot noun

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