noun
clearing away dishes; clearing the table
Refers to the act of removing used dishes and leftover food after a meal. Often used in contrast with 配膳 (はいぜん, setting the table).
See also: 配膳 (はいぜん)
食事が終わったら、下膳を手伝ってください。
Please help clear the table after the meal.
配膳と下膳は給食当番の仕事です。
Setting and clearing the table is the job of the lunch duty students.
配膳 means setting the table or arranging dishes before a meal, while 下膳 is clearing them away after eating.
Compound of 下げ (sage, 'lowering' or 'removing') and 膳 (zen, 'tray' or 'meal'), literally 'removing the tray'.