finesse in French

(countable, card games) In bridge, whist, etc.: a technique which allows one to win a trick, usually by playing a card when it is thought that a card that can beat it is held by another player whose turn is over. [from early 18th c.]

(ambitransitive) To handle or manage carefully or skilfully; to manipulate in a crafty way. [from mid 18th c.]

(transitive, card games) To play (a card) as a finesse. [from mid 18th c.]