Basil, perhaps — or some other boy (4)
I believe the answer is:
herb
'basil perhaps' is the definition.
(I know that basil is a type of herb)
'some other boy' is the wordplay.
'some' says the answer is hidden in the clue (some of the parts of the word are used).
'HERB' is hidden within 'other boy'.
'or' is the link.
(Other definitions for herb that I've seen before include "Parsley, for instance" , "Thyme, for example" , "Plant used in medicine or for flavouring" , "Basil, for example, is one" , "Simple" .)