a ladder of the pivoted or leaning type includes a support pivoted for movement between a stowed position parallel to the ladder frame and an arcuately extended support position . the support includes telescoping members biased toward an axially extended position away from an axially retracted position . a lug mechanism prevents retracting movement of the telescoping members when the support is being used to stabilize the ladder . the lug is mounted for axial movement to disable the mechanism and allow the telescoping members to retract into an axially stowed position . a j - slot is used to hold the telescoping members in the stowed position .