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)
Please help clear the table after the meal.
Setting and clearing the table is the job of the lunch duty students.
Alternate spelling using 下げ; less common but still seen.
Compound of 下げ (sage, 'lowering' or 'removing') and 膳 (zen, 'tray' or 'meal'), literally 'removing the tray'.