Also merinote or merinodo, feudal geographical and administrative division led by a merino, judge with fiscal functions and also police or military, hence its unpopularity, mediator between the crown and the villas and lordships. This situation has been in the late 12th century in the kingdoms of Castile, Aragon and Navarre. In many places the name is still retained but not the administrative function. There are currently merindades in Palencia, Burgos, Cantabria and Navarra.