finesse Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun subtly skillful handling of a situation
    delicacy; discreetness; diplomacy.

WordNet

Fi`nesse" noun
Etymology
F., fr. fin fine. See Fine, a.
Definitions
  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.
Fi*nesse" intransitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Finessed ; present participle & verbal noun Finessing
Definitions
  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.

Webster 1913