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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Opossum \O*pos"sum\, n. [Of N. American Indian origin.] (Zool.)
Any American marsupial of the genera {Didelphys} and
{Chironectes}; called also {possum}. The common species of
the United States is {Didelphys Virginiana}.
[1913 Webster]

Note: Several related species are found in South America. The
water opossum of Brazil ({Chironectes variegatus}),
which has the hind feet, webbed, is provided with a
marsupial pouch and with cheek pouches. It is called
also {yapock}.
[1913 Webster]

{Opossum mouse}. (Zool.) See {Flying mouse}, under {Flying}.


{Opossum shrimp} (Zool.), any schizopod crustacean of the
genus {Mysis} and allied genera. See {Schizopoda}.
[1913 Webster]


Possum \Pos"sum\, n. [Shortened from opossum.] (Zool.)
An opossum. [Colloq. U. S.]
[1913 Webster]

{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.
[1913 Webster]