This is the 10197th most frequent Spanish word.
cobraba
"Charged" or "collected" (past tense forms of "cobrar").
Here, 'cobraba' means 'used to collect or receive' and relates to receiving payment regularly in the past.
Él cobraba su salario cada quincena.
He used to collect his salary every two weeks.
In this context, 'cobraba' refers to charging or billing for a service provided.
La empresa cobraba por el servicio de entrega.
The company charged for the delivery service.
Here, 'cobraba' signifies 'was gaining' and describes someone acquiring reputation or renown over time.