Finesse ( or ), n.
Etymology: [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.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Finesse, 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.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for finesse; he lists it under artifice, deception.
Where he writes about it:
Finesse is especially subtle contrivance, delicate artifice, whether for good or evil. — from artifice
Finesse is simply an adroit and delicate management of a matter for one's own side, not necessarily involving deceit. — from deception