Like legal pads (5)
I believe the answer is:
ruled
'like legal pads' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for ruled that I've seen before include "(Of writing paper) having printed lines" , "Made authoritative statement" , "Exercised control over" , "Reigned or ordered" , "Held the reins" .)