contretemps

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

contretemps
    n 1: an awkward clash; "he tried to smooth over his contretemps
         with the policeman"

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

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.
   [1913 Webster]

         In this unhappy contretemps.             --De Quincey.
   [1913 Webster]