finesse

Noun

Synonyms: delicacy diplomacy discreetness

WordNet 3.0

Noun (1)

subtly skillful handling of a situationSynonyms: delicacy diplomacy discreetness

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Finesse \Fi`nesse"\ (? or ?), n. [F., fr. fin fine. See Fine, a.]

1.Subtilty of contrivance to gain a point; artifice; stratagem. [1913 Webster]

This is the artificialest piece of finesse to persuade men into slavery.— Milton.[1913 Webster]

2.(Whist Playing) The act of finessing. See Finesse, v. i., 2. [1913 Webster]

Finesse \Fi*nesse"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Finessed; p. pr. & vb. n. Finessing.]

1.To use artifice or stratagem. --Goldsmith. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]