■ verb
1》 bring or come to an end.
↘consume or get through the whole or the remainder of (food or drink).
↘reach the end of a race or other sporting competition.
↘( ~ up ) chiefly Brit. end by doing something or being in a particular position.
↘( ~ someone off ) kill or comprehensively defeat someone.
2》 ( ~ with ) have no more need for.
↘ Brit. end a relationship with.
3》 complete the manufacture or decoration of (something) by giving it an attractive surface appearance.
↘complete the fattening of (livestock) before slaughter.
4》 dated prepare (a girl) for entry into fashionable society.
■ noun
1》 an end or final stage.
↘the place at which a race or competition ends.
2》 the manner in which a manufactured article is ~ed.
↘the surface appearance of a manufactured article.
↘the final taste impression of a wine or beer.
Phrases
to the ~ until the complete defeat of one of the participants.
Origin
ME: from OFr. feniss- , lengthened stem of fenir , from L. finire , from finis 'end'.