GERMAN (Lat. germanus, a brother), in matters of genealogy implies whole, entire, or own. Thus brother-german denotes a brother by the same father and mother. Cousins-german are those in the first degree, i.e., the children of brothers or sisters. Among the Romans we find no instance of marriage between cousins-german before the time of the emperor Claudius, when it became common. Theodosius prohibited such marriages under severe penalties, including even fine and proscription.