Waffen-SS
English
editEtymology
editBorrowed from German Waffen-SS, from Waffe (“weapon”) + SS.
Pronunciation
editProper noun
editWaffen-SS
- A subdivision of the Schutzstaffel.
- Coordinate terms: Allgemeine SS, SS-Verfügungstruppe, SS-Totenkopfverbände
Usage notes
edit- Created in 1939, the Waffen-SS absorbed the SS-Verfügungstruppe (armed militias) as well as the SS-Totenkopfverbände (concentration camp guards) in 1940, whereas the Allgemeine SS (general SS) soon lost most of its importance. The Waffen-SS subsequently included elite combat units deployed at the front as well as units active in the occupied territories. In practice, the term is often used especially of the combat arm.
Translations
editsubdivision of the Schutzstaffel
|