dote upon; cherish; think tenderly of
Expresses a gentle, affectionate feeling toward someone or something, often with a nuance of pity or protective love. It is a noun, but the form 〜がる suggests a verb-like usage; it is likely an archaic or literary expression related to 愛おしむ (いとおしむ).
See also: 愛しがる (いとしがる) · いとおしむ
The grandmother gazed at her grandchild as if doting on them.
He felt tenderly toward the abandoned puppy and took it home.