Lavished affection on a diminutive couple (5)

I believe the answer is:

doted

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'lavished affection' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for doted that I've seen before include "was foolish" , "Showed (excessive) love" , "Lavished affection" , "- Upon means was foolishly fond of (someone)" , "Was excessively fond" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app