that which is done or is to be done; matter; concern; as, a difficult affair to manage; business of any kind, commercial, professional, or public; -- often in the plural. "at the head of affairs." junius.-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.-an action or engagement not of sufficient magnitude to be called a battle.-action; endeavor.-a material object (vaguely designated).