What word completes this quotation about the young Cratchits?"[They] crammed spoons into their mouths, lest they should shriek for __________."

The word that completes the quotation about the young Cratchits is "more."

In this context from Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," the line reflects the excitement and eagerness of the Cratchit children during Christmas dinner. They were so hungry and enthusiastic about the meal that they were cramming spoons into their mouths to avoid making noise, which might interrupt the meal or attract attention to their ravenous appetites. The sense of urgency in the children's behavior highlights both their poverty and the joy they find in the simple pleasure of food shared during the festive season. This moment encapsulates the themes of family, joy, and the stark contrast between wealth and poverty that Dickens often explored in his works.