traction, merino being only a corruption of marino, sea-sheep, an appellation to the incongruity of which our own language affords an analogy in the common term, sea-coal. Probable however as this derivation may appear, I believe it is ill-founded. Merino[1] is an old Leonese title, still preserved in Portugal, though long since obsolete in the other kingdoms of Spain. The old laws define it thus: es ome que ha mayoria para facer jutsticia sobre algun lugar señalado; "he is a man who has authority to administer justice within a certain district." The first mention of this office is in the reign of Bermudo II. The Merinos then commanded the troops of their respective provinces in war, but before the lime of Enrique II. it was become wholly a civil office, and the title was gradually giving place to that of Alguacil Mayor. Most probably the judge of the shepherds was called the Merino, and
- ↑ See Vol. I. p. 288
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