(German) an elite corps of combat troops formed originally within the GermanNazi Party during World War II as a bodyguard for Hitler and other Nazi leaders. During World War II, they worked, on Hitler's orders, to wipe out the Jewish people by systematic murder. The word literally means "defense echelon." The Schutzstaffel were frequently referred to by the abbreviation SS (Schutzstaffel). See also Hitler and Nazi Party in this glossary.—Games Congress Gls (Approved 13.8.92)