Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Contretemps

‖

Conˊtre-temps′

,

Noun.

[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.