Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Finesse \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.

Finesse \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.

Source : WordNet®

finesse
     n : subtly skillful handling of a situation [syn: {delicacy}, {diplomacy},
          {discreetness}]