WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Fi`nesse" ( or )
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [F., fr. fin fine. See Fine, a.]
Definition : 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.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913

Pronunciation : Fi*nesse"
Part of Speech : v.
Definition : 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.

i. [imp. & p. p. Finessed; p. pr. & vb. n. Finessing.]
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913