finessing

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

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]