Main Entry: dote

Pronunciation: \ˈdōt\

Function: intransitive verb

Inflected Form(s): dot·ed; dot·ing

Etymology: Middle English; akin to Middle Low German dotten to be foolish

Date: 13th century

1 : to exhibit mental decline of or like that of old age : be in one's dotage
2 : to be lavish or excessive in one's attention, fondness, or affection —usually used with on <doted on her only grandchild>

— dot·er noun

— dot·ing·ly \ˈdō-tiŋ-lē\ adverb