stunt

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Stunted p. pr. & vb. n. Stunting. ] [ See Stint. ] To hinder from growing to the natural size; to prevent the growth of; to stint, to dwarf; as, to stunt a child; to stunt a plant. [ 1913 Webster ]

When, by a cold penury, I blast the abilities of a nation, and stunt the growth of its active energies, the ill or may do is beyond all calculation. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. A check in growth; also, that which has been checked in growth; a stunted animal or thing. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Specifically: A whale two years old, which, having been weaned, is lean, and yields but little blubber. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. Stint a task. ] 1. A feat hard to perform; an act which is striking for the skill, strength, or the like, required to do it; a feat. [ Colloq. ]

An extraordinary man does three or four different “stunts” with remarkable dexterity. The Bookman.

He does not try to do stunts; and, above all, he does not care to go in swimming. L. Hutton. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

2. an unusual action performed to gain public attention; as, a publicity stunt. [ PJC ]