n. [ F., fr. fil thread, L. filum. ] Vegetable fiber, as jute or ramie, prepared for manufacture. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

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 ]

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 ]