\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.

\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.