Crossword Genius

Pointed weapon held by Hitler's bodyguard, etc. (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spikes

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'etc' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'pointed weapon held by hitler's bodyguard' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'weapon' could be 'pike' (pike is a kind of weapon) and 'pike' is present in the answer.
'bodyguard' could be 'ss' (the SS was originally Hitler's personal bodyguard) and 'ss' is found within the leftover letters.
No letters remain.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for spikes that I've seen before include "Running shoes" , "Sharp points on athletes' shoes" , "Prongs" , "Makes (a gun) useless" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.