Category:Finesse

Fi`nesse" ( or ), n. Etym: [F., fr. fin fine. See Fine, a.]

1. Subtilty of contrivance to gain a point; artifice; stratagem. This is the artificialest piece of finesse to persuade men into slavery. Milton.

2. (Whist Playing)

Defn: The act of finessing. See Finesse, v. i., 2.

finesse Fi*nesse", v. i. [imp. & p. p. Finessed; p. pr. & vb. n. Finessing.]

1. To use artifice or stratagem. Goldsmith.

2. (Whist Playing)

Defn: 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.