Sebastián de Covarrubias facts for kids
Sebastián de Covarrubias (born 1539, died 1613) was a Spanish writer, priest, and expert in words. He was known for his work as a lexicographer, which means he wrote dictionaries. He also worked as a cryptographer, someone who studies secret codes. His most famous book is the Tesoro de la lengua castellana o española, which is a very important dictionary of the Spanish language.
About Sebastián de Covarrubias
Sebastián de Covarrubias was born in 1539. His father, Sebastián de Horozco, came from a family that had recently become Catholic. His mother, Maria Valero de Covarrubias Leyva, was from an old and respected Catholic family.
Covarrubias studied at the famous University of Salamanca from 1565 to 1573. During his studies, he lived with his uncle, Juan de Covarrubias. His uncle was a canon at the Cathedral of Salamanca. A canon is a type of priest who works at a cathedral.
After Sebastián became a priest, his uncle gave up his position. Sebastián then took over as a canon at the cathedral. He also became a chaplain to Philip II of Spain, who was the king. A chaplain is a priest who serves a royal family or an institution. Covarrubias also worked as a consultant for an important church group and became a canon at the Cuenca Cathedral.
His Important Books
In 1610, Covarrubias became very sick. But he got better and started writing. That same year, he published a book called Emblemas morales, which means "Moral Emblems". This book was a collection of pictures with short sayings that taught moral lessons.
However, he is most famous for his dictionary. It is called Tesoro de la lengua castellana o española, which means "Treasury of the Castilian or Spanish Language". This dictionary was first published in 1611. It was one of the first dictionaries to explain the origins and meanings of Spanish words.
Covarrubias also wrote more material for his dictionary. But this extra part was not published while he was alive. Later, in 1674, another Spanish priest named Benito Remigio Noydens created a new edition of the Tesoro that included Covarrubias's additions.
See also
In Spanish: Sebastián de Covarrubias para niños
