Dictionary entry

Dotage

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Do″tage (?), n. [From Dote, v. i.] 1. Feebleness or imbecility of understanding or mind, particularly in old age; the childishness of old age; senility; as, a venerable man, now in his dotage.

Capable of distinguishing between the infancy and the dotage of Greek literature. Macaulay.

2. Foolish utterance; drivel.

The sapless dotages of old Paris and Salamanca. Milton.

3. Excessive fondness; weak and foolish affection.

The dotage of the nation on presbytery. Bp. Burnet.