Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

         In this unhappy contretemps.             --De Quincey.

Source : WordNet®

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