Fi*nesse" (?), v. 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.
Fi`nesse" (? or ?), n. [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) The act of
finessing. See Finesse, v. i., 2.