Waffen-SS

Borrowed from German Waffen-SS, from Waffe (“weapon”) + SS.

• IPA^(key): /ˈvɑfən.ɛsˌɛs/

Waffen-SS

1. A subdivision of the Schutzstaffel.

   Coordinate terms: Allgemeine SS, SS-Verfügungstruppe, SS-Totenkopfverbände

• 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.