Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Finesse
1.
Subtilty of contrivance to gain a point; artifice; stratagem.
This is the artificialest piece of
finesse
to persuade men into slavery. Milton.
Fi-nesse′
,Verb.
I.
[
imp. & p. p.
Finessed
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Finessing
.] 1.
To use artifice or stratagem.
Goldsmith.
2.
(Whist Playing)
To attempt, when second or third player, to make a lower card answer the purpose of a higher, when an intermediate card is out, risking the chance of its being held by the opponent yet to play.