facer

American  

[fey-ser] / ˈfeɪ sər /

noun

1. a person or thing that faces.

2. Informal. a blow in the face.

3. British Informal. an unexpected major difficulty, dilemma, or defeat.

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facer British  

/ ˈfeɪsə /

noun

1. a person or thing that faces

2. a lathe tool used to turn a face perpendicular to the axis of rotation

3. informal a difficulty or problem

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Etymology

Origin of facer

First recorded in 1505–15; face + -er ¹

Example Sentences

This was a facer, and I knew not what to say, until by a happy thought I suggested that he should consult my aunt Susan, with whom he was a prime favourite.

From Palm Tree Island by Strang, Herbert

Then you must put a plucky face on it; she mustn't see you cave in after the first facer.

From At Large by Hornung, E. W. (Ernest William)

It was the worst kind of a facer.

From The Transgression of Andrew Vane a novel by Carryl, Guy Wetmore

How one admires a woman who takes an unexpected facer without making a scene!

From The Little Vanities of Mrs. Whittaker A Novel by Winter, John Strange

This was rather a facer, and I felt angry with Jim!

From The Red Symbol by Ironside, John