Doesn't kill, but merely brandishes spears (6)
I believe the answer is:
spares
'doesn't kill but merely' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.
'brandishes spears' is the wordplay.
'brandishes' indicates an anagram (I've seen 'brandished' mean this (I've seen this in other clues)).
'spears' anagrammed gives 'SPARES'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for spares that I've seen before include "Replacement items, like tyres" , "Extras in case of necessity" , "Is merciful towards, refrains from hurting" , "Extras with spears" , "Lets off; reserve parts" .)