POSSUMING

POSSUM

Pos"sum, n. Etym: [Shortened from opossum.] (Zoöl.)

Definition: An opossum. [Colloq. U. S.] To play possum, To act possum, to feign ignorance, indifference or inattention, with the intent to deceive; to dissemble; -- in allusion to the habit of the opossum, which feigns death when attacked or alarmed.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition