Where does “Schutzstaffel” come from?

Schutzstaffel (German) comes from German Schutz, from Middle High German schuz, from Middle High German schützen, from Proto-Germanic skutjaną, from Proto-Germanic skuttą, from Proto-Indo-European (s)kewd- — to advance, push; to drive, propel.

Schutzstaffel (German): Schutzstaffel, Schusta; Schutzstaffel, SS

Definitions

  1. Schutzstaffel, Schusta; Schutzstaffel, SS

Ancestry of “Schutzstaffel”, step by step

Schutzstaffel traces back through two separate lines of ancestry.

via German Schutz

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1GermanSchutzprotection
2Middle High Germanschuz—
3Middle High Germanschützento dam; to grant protection; to protect; to...
4Proto-Germanicskutjanąto bar, bolt
5Proto-Germanicskuttą—
6Proto-Indo-European(s)kewd-to advance, push; to drive, propel

via German Staffel

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1GermanStaffelseason; relay; squadron
2Proto-Germanicstapulazpillar, post; basis, foundation
3Proto-Indo-Europeanstebʰ‑to stand still
Every word from Proto-Indo-European (s)kewd- →Every word from Proto-Germanic skuttą →Every word from Proto-Germanic skutjaną →