¦ 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.
(finish up) chiefly Brit. end by doing something or being in a particular position.
(finish someone off) kill or comprehensively defeat someone.
2. (finish 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 finished.
the surface appearance of a manufactured article.
the final taste impression of a wine or beer.
Phrases
to the finish until the complete defeat of one of the participants.
Origin
ME: from OFr. feniss-, lengthened stem of fenir, from L. finire, from finis 'end'.