possum

 
Pronunciation: /ˈpɒsəm/

noun

  • a tree-dwelling Australasian marsupial that typically has a prehensile tail.
    • Four families, especially Petauridae: many species, including the ringtails
  • North American informal an opossum.

Phrases

play possum

  • 1pretend to be asleep or unconscious (as an opossum does when threatened).
  • 2feign ignorance.

Origin:

early 17th century: shortening of opossum