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American Dictionary of the English Language

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Affair


AFFA'IR, noun [Latin facere. The primary sense of facio is to urge, drive, impel.]

1. Business of any kind; that which is done, or is to be done; a word of very indefinite and undefinable signification. In the plural, it denotes transactions in general; as human affairs; political or ecclesiastical affairs:also the business or concerns of an individual; as, his affairs are embarrassed.

2. Matters; state; condition of business or concerns.

I have sent that ye may know our affairs. Ephesians 6:21.

3. In the singular, it is used for a private dispute, or duel; as, an affair of honor; and sometimes a partial engagement of troops.

In the phrase, at the head of affairs, the word means, the public concerns of executing the laws and administering the government.