from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
GIFTOMAN, Swedish law. He who has a right to dispose of a woman in marriage.
2. This right is vested in the father, if living; if dead, in the
mother. They may nominate a person in their place; but for want of such
nomination, the brothers german; and for want of them, the consanguine
brothers; and in default of the latter, uterine brothers have the right, but
they are bound to consult the paternal or maternal grandfather. Swed- Code,
tit. of Marriage.