He was forced to decline due to a previous 'engagement'. [='commitment, appointment']
She surprised everyone by breaking off her yearlong 'engagement'.
She's been offered several speaking 'engagements'.
(..) Look here. I'm gonna be a pastor somewhere small. College town. Lead a little church. Teach a class. Maybe the occasional speaking engagement. And I'll pay all the bills for us, especially the mortgage for our very own house. Perfect. You look handsome. (..)2014 Selma