confessed to a veneer of ignorance

[Sapereaude]

What does 'confessed to a veneer of ignorance' mean in this sentence?

The lieutenant confessed to a veneer of ignorance in order to properly evaluate his corporal’s resourcefulness.

(Baron's 1100 words )

 

[SoothingDave]

He was pretending to not know something in order to test what his subordinate would do. A veneer of ignorance.

 

[Rover_KE]

Welcome to the forum, Sapereaude.

Which of Baron's 1100 words is this sentence exemplifying?

 

[Tdol]

And he would have confessed to this after the event. This is a context that requires a fair bit of context.