Dictionary entry

Finesse

Webster's Dictionary 1913

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.