verb. (American).—See quots.: also TO PLAY POSSUM.
1833. T. FLINT, The History and Geography of the Mississippi Valley, I. 72. Any one, who counterfeits sickness, or dissembles strongly for a particular purpose, is said to be ‘POSSUMING.’
1855. HALIBURTON (‘Sam Slick’), Nature and Human Nature, 14. I will PLAY POSSUM with these folks, and take a rise out of them that will astonish their weak nerves.
1877. BARTLETT, Dictionary of Americanisms, s.v. POSSUM. The expression alludes to the habit of the opossum, which throws itself on its back, and feigns death on the approach of an enemy.
1886. Scribner’s Magazine, Jan., 436. It’s almost time for Babe to quit PLAYING POSSUM.
