Definition of: finesse

(fi·nes′) noun
1. Subtle contrivance; artifice; stratagem.
2. Dexterity; artfulness; skill.
3. In card–playing, an attempt on the part of a player to take a trick with a lower card when he holds a higher (as a queen when he holds the ace), in the hope that the opposing hand yet to play will not hold a taking card (as the king). See synonyms under ARTIFICE, DECEPTION.
—v. fi·nessed, fi·ness·ing v.t.
1. To change or bring about by finesse.
2. In card games, to play as a finesse.
—v.i.
3. To use finesse.
4. In card games, to make a finesse. [<F <fin FINE¹]