fi|nesse

fi|nesse «fuh NEHS», noun, verb, -nessed, -ness|ing.

–n.

1. delicacy of execution; skill: »

That young artist shows wonderful finesse.

2. the skillful handling of a delicate situation to one's advantage; subtle or tactful strategy: »

A successful diplomat must be a master of finesse.

SYNONYM(S): artifice, strategem, craft.

3. an attempt to take a trick in bridge, whist, or some other card games, with a lower card while holding a higher card, in the hope that the card or cards between may not be played.

–v.i.

1. to use finesse.

2. to make a finesse in card playing.

–v.t.

1. to bring or change by finesse: »

He finessed his small inheritance into a substantial fortune.

2. to make or attempt a finesse with (a card).

╂[< French finesse < Old French fin; see etym. under fine¹ (Cf. ↑fine)]